Diet & Fitness

Norethindrone-Mestranol

Common brand names:

Necon 1/50, Norinyl 1+50, Ortho-Novum 1/50

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

Negative Interactions
1
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  St. John’s Wort
  
  Potential Negative Interaction
  
  Cases reported to the Medical Products Agency of Sweden suggest that St. John’s wort may interact with oral contraceptives and cause intramenstrual bleeding and/or changes in menstrual bleeding. One reviewer has suggested that St. John’s wort may reduce serum levels of estradiol. It should be noted, however, that only three of the eight Swedish women returned to normal menstrual cycles after stopping St. John’s wort. Women taking oral contraceptives for birth control should consult with their doctor before taking St. John’s wort.
  St. John’s Wort
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Safety of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) [letters to the editor from various authors]. Lancet 2000;355:575-7.
  2. Ernst E. Second thoughts about safety of St. John's wort. Lancet 1999;354:2014-6 [letter].
Supportive Interactions
19
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Folic Acid
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  Oral contraceptive use can cause folic acid depletion.
  Folic Acid
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Lindenbaum J, Whitehead N, Reyner F. Oral contraceptive hormones, folate metabolism, and the cervical epithelium. Am J Clin Nutr 1975;28:346-53.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Magnesium
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  Women using oral contraceptives were found to have significantly lower serum magnesium levels in a controlled study. In a preliminary study, blood levels of magnesium decreased in women taking an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Although the importance of this interaction remains somewhat unclear, supplementation with 250 to 350 mg of magnesium per day is a safe and reasonable supplemental level for most adults.
  Magnesium
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Olatunbosum DA, Adeniyi FA, Adadevoh BK. Effect of oral contraceptives on serum magnesium levels. Int J Fertil 1974;19:224-6.
  2. Blum M, Kitai E, Ariel Y, et al. Oral contraceptive lowers serum magnesium. Harefuah 1991;121:363-4 [in Hebrew].
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Magnesium
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  Women using oral contraceptives were found to have significantly lower serum magnesium levels in a controlled study. In a preliminary study, blood levels of magnesium decreased in women taking an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Although the importance of this interaction remains somewhat unclear, supplementation with 250–350 mg of magnesium per day is a safe and reasonable supplemental level for most adults.
  Magnesium
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Olatunbosum DA, Adeniyi FA, Adadevoh BK. Effect of oral contraceptives on serum magnesium levels. Int J Fertil 1974;19:224-6.
  2. Blum M, Kitai E, Ariel Y, et al. Oral contraceptive lowers serum magnesium. Harefuah 1991;121:363-4 [in Hebrew].
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Manganese
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Manganese
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Manganese
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Manganese
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
  5. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Vitamin B1
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin B1
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  3. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Vitamin B12
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin B12
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Vitamin B12
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin B12
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
  5. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Vitamin B2
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin B2
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Vitamin B2
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin B2
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  3. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Vitamin B6
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  Laboratory evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency is common in women taking oral contraceptives.
  Vitamin B6
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Adams PW, Folkard J, Wynn V, Seed M. Influence of oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and tryptophan on carbohydrate metabolism. Lancet 1976;1:759-64.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Vitamin B6
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  Laboratory evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency is common in women taking oral contraceptives.
  Vitamin B6
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Adams PW, Folkard J, Wynn V, Seed M. Influence of oral contraceptives, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and tryptophan on carbohydrate metabolism. Lancet 1976;1:759-64.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Vitamin C
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin C
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Vitamin C
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin C
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Zinc
  
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Zinc
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  3. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Calcium
  
  Support Medicine
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Calcium
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
  5. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Copper
  
  Support Medicine
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Copper
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
  5. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Vitamin B6
  
  Reduce Side Effects
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  In a double-blind trial, supplementation with 20 mg of vitamin B6 twice a day for 2 months improved depression in women taking oral contraceptives who had laboratory evidence of vitamin B6 deficiency. However, vitamin B6 did not relieve depression in women who did not have vitamin B6 deficiency.
  Vitamin B6
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Adams PW, Wynn V, Rose DP, et al. Effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) upon depression associated with oral contraception. Lancet 1973;I:897-904.
  2. Adams PW, Wynn V, Seed M, Folkard J. Vitamin B6, depression, and oral contraception. Lancet 1974;2:516-7.
Explanation Required
4
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Iron
  
  Needs Explanation
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  Menstrual blood loss is typically reduced with use of oral contraceptives. This can lead to increased iron stores and, presumably, a decreased need for iron in premenopausal women. Premenopausal women taking oral contraceptives should have their iron levels monitored and talk with their prescribing doctor before using iron-containing supplements.
  Iron
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Frassinelli-Gunderson EP, Margen S, Brown JR. Iron stores in users of oral contraceptive agents. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;41(4):703.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Iron
  
  Needs Explanation
  
  Menstrual blood loss is typically reduced with use of oral contraceptives. This can lead to increased iron stores and, presumably, a decreased need for iron in premenopausal women. Premenopausal women taking oral contraceptives should have their iron levels monitored and talk with their prescribing doctor before using iron-containing supplements.
  Iron
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Frassinelli-Gunderson EP, Margen S, Brown JR. Iron stores in users of oral contraceptive agents. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;41(4):703.
- Mestranol and Norethindrone
  
  Vitamin A
  
  Needs Explanation
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin A
  
  Mestranol and Norethindrone
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
  5. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.
- Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  
  Vitamin A
  
  Needs Explanation
  
  This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.
  
  A review of literature suggests that women who use oral contraceptives may experience decreased vitamin B1, B2, B3, B12, C, and zinc levels. Oral contraceptive use has been associated with increased absorption of calcium and copper and with increased blood levels of copper and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives may interfere with manganese absorption. The clinical importance of these actions remains unclear.
  Vitamin A
  
  Norethindrone (Contraceptive)
  ×
  1. Werbach MR. Foundations of Nutritional Medicine. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1997, 210-1 [review].
  2. Wynn V. Vitamins and oral contraceptive use. Lancet 1975;1:561-4.
  3. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197-8.
  4. Berg G, Kohlmeier L, Brenner H. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:711-5.
  5. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interaction. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 197.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common brand names:

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

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