Side Effects of Microgestin

While most women have no problems with Microgestin, side effects are possible. Some of the more commonly reported side effects include bloating, breakthrough bleeding, and breast tenderness. If you experience any potentially serious side effects of Microgestin, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, let your healthcare provider know right away.

 

An Introduction to Side Effects of Microgestin

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Microgestin® (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol); however, not all women who use the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most women tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Often, many of the bothersome Microgestin side effects improve (or even completely go away) within the first few cycles of use.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Microgestin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Microgestin side effects with you. Microgestin is a generic version of Loestrin®.)
 

Side Effects of Microgestin to Report

Some side effects with Microgestin, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
 
 
    • Vision or speech changes
    • Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
    • Severe headache
 
  • Signs of liver damage, such as:
 
    • Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
    • Dark urine
    • Upper-right abdominal pain
 
  • Depression or other emotional changes
  • Migraines (or changes in your migraines, if you have had them before)
  • Breast lumps
  • Signs of a blood clot in the leg, such as:
 
    • Pain in the calf
    • Leg cramps
    • Leg or foot swelling
 
  • Signs of a blood clot in the lung, such as:
 
    • Shortness of breath
    • Sharp chest pain
    • Coughing up blood
 
  • Chest pain or heaviness, which may be signs of a heart attack
  • Sudden loss of vision or vision changes, which can be a sign of a blood clot in the eye
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
 
    • Unexplained rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Unexplained swelling
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
 
(Side Effects of Microgestin Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;