Nortrel 28 Day, Nortrel 21 Day

What is this medication? Nortrel 21 Day and Nortrel 28 Day are combination oral contraceptive pills used primarily to prevent pregnancy. These medications contain two types of female hormones, which are an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol and a progestin called norethindrone. By taking these hormones daily, the medication works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovaries during the menstrual cycle. It also increases the thickness of vaginal fluid to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg and alters the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, healthcare providers may prescribe Nortrel to help regulate menstrual cycles, decrease blood loss during periods, and reduce painful menstruation. The primary difference between the 21-day and 28-day packs is the presence of inactive reminder pills. The 21-day pack contains only active hormone tablets and requires a seven-day break, while the 28-day pack includes seven inactive pills to help users maintain a consistent daily habit. This medication does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.