What Is Aranelle Used For?

Although Aranelle is approved for preventing pregnancy, it may also be prescribed "off-label" for treating conditions such as acne and heavy menstrual bleeding. Aranelle uses provide several benefits, such as lessening menstrual pain, causing lighter and more predictable menstrual periods, and decreasing the risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer.

 

What Is Aranelle Used For?

Aranelle™ (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription birth control pill. Like most birth control pills, Aranelle is easy to use, very effective, and also offers the following benefits:
 
  • Regular, predictable menstrual periods
  • Less menstrual pain
  • Lighter menstrual bleeding
  • A decreased risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).
     
(Aranelle is a generic version of Tri-Norinyl® and is also equivalent to Leena® birth control pills. The information in this article also applies to each of these medications.)
 
Fortunately, women have a variety of different birth control options available to them today. Each particular method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and no one birth control method is right for all women. Some are easier to use than others, and some are more effective than others. Some of the most commonly used birth control methods include:
 
  • Combined hormonal contraceptives (which contain a progestin and an estrogen) -- Most birth control pills, patches, and rings
     
  • Progestin-only contraceptives -- Some birth control pills ("mini-pills"), injections, and implants
     
  • Periodic abstinence, sometimes known as natural family planning or the rhythm method -- Avoiding intercourse during the fertile phase of your menstrual cycle
     
  • Spermicides -- Foams, jellies, gels, suppositories, and inserts
     
  • Withdrawal -- Removing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation
     
  • Barrier contraceptives -- Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and various other methods that physically block the sperm from entering the uterus
     
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) -- Implanted devices that are both very effective and reversible
     
  • Surgical sterilization -- Tubal ligation (getting your "tubes tied") or a vasectomy (for men).
     
Like most birth control pills, Aranelle falls into the category of combined hormonal contraceptives, as it contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). Birth control pills are often a great contraceptive choice for many women. However, combined hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of blood clots and other problems, and not all women should take combined hormonal contraceptives (see Precautions and Warnings With Aranelle for more information).
 
As with almost all methods of birth control, combined hormonal contraceptives must be used correctly and consistently, otherwise they are much less effective. Importantly, Aranelle does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In many situations, it is advisable to use condoms in addition to Aranelle, in order to prevent the transmission of STDs.
 
(What Is Aranelle Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;