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Nora-BE
Nora-BE is a prescription birth control pill that contains only the progestin hormone. It is commonly used by breastfeeding women and women who cannot take estrogens for other reasons. Since Nora-BE is not very effective at preventing ovulation, it must rely on other mechanisms to prevent pregnancy -- in particular, altering the endometrium and cervical mucus. Potential side effects include headaches, nausea, and menstrual changes.
Nora-BE® (norethindrone) is a prescription oral contraceptive, also known as a birth control pill. It is a generic version of Nor-QD®. Nora-BE is a progestin-only contraceptive (also known as a "mini pill"), named because it contains just a progestin hormone. Most other birth control pills are combined oral contraceptives, meaning that they contain both an estrogen and a progestin hormone. Nora-BE is an ideal choice for breastfeeding mothers and other women who should not take estrogens.
(Click What Is Nora-BE Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Nora-BE. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most people 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. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Nora-BE include but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Nausea.
(Click Side Effects of Nora-BE to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD