Nordette Dosage/Direction for Use

Do not initiate or continue the use of "Nordette" if pregnancy is known or suspected.
How to take "Nordette": Tablets 1-21 contain active ingredients (active tablets).
Tablets must be taken in the order directed on the package every day at about the same time. One tablet is to be taken daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval. Each subsequent pack is started on the day after the tablet-free interval. A withdrawal bleed usually starts on days 2-3, after the last active tablet, and may not have finished before the next pack is started.
How to start "Nordette": No hormonal contraceptive use within the preceding month: The user should begin taking Nordette on Day 1 of her natural menstrual cycle (i.e., the first day of menstrual bleeding).
Beginning Nordette use on days 2-7 of the menstrual cycle (e.g., Sunday start) is allowed; however, a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control (e.g., condoms, spermicide) is recommended during the first 7 days of Nordette use.
Switching from another COC: Preferably, Nordette use should begin the day after the last active tablet of the previous COC pack has been taken but no later than the day following the usual tablet-free or inactive tablet interval of the previous COC.
Switching from a progestin-only method of birth control (pill, implant, intrauterine device [IUD], injection): The user may discontinue use of a progestin-only pill on any day; use of Nordette should begin the following day.
Nordette use should begin on the same day that a progestin-only implant or a progestin-only IUD is removed.
Nordette use should begin on the day that the next progestin-only injection is scheduled.
In each of these situations, the user should be advised to use a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control during the first 7 days of Nordette use.
Following first-trimester abortion: Nordette use may begin immediately. Additional contraceptive measures are not needed.
Postpartum: Because the immediate postpartum period is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, Nordette use should begin no sooner than the 28^th postpartum day following either delivery in a nonlactating woman or second-trimester abortion. The woman should be advised to use a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control during the first 7 days of Nordette use. However, if intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy must be ruled out before Nordette use is begun; otherwise, the woman must wait until her first menstrual period before beginning Nordette use. (See Venous and arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism under Warnings and Lactation under Use in Pregnancy & Lactation).
Management of missed tablets: Contraceptive protection may be reduced if active tablets are missed, particularly if the missing of tablets extends the tablet-free interval.
If one active tablet is missed but is remembered within 12 hours of the usual dose, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. Subsequent tablets should be taken at the usual time.
If one active tablet is missed and is remembered more than 12 hours after the usual dose or if two or more active tablets are missed, contraceptive protection may be reduced. The last missed tablet should be taken as soon as it is remembered, which may result in the user taking two tablets on the same day. Subsequent tablets should be taken at the usual time. A nonhormonal back-up method of birth control must be used for the next 7 days.
For 21-day packs only: If the user takes the last active tablet before the 7-day interval during which use of a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control is required has ended, she must begin a new pack immediately; there should be no tablet-free interval between packs. This prevents an extended break in the tablet- taking interval, thereby reducing the risk of escape ovulation. The user is unlikely to have a withdrawal bleed until all tablets in the new pack are taken, although she may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding on tablet-taking days. If the user does not have a withdrawal bleed after all tablets in the new pack are taken, pregnancy must be ruled out before tablet-taking is resumed.
Alternative management of missed tablets: If one active tablet is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. Subsequent tablets should be taken at the usual time.
If two consecutive active tablets are missed during week 1 or week 2, two tablets should be taken on both the day remembered and the following day. Subsequent tablets should be taken at the usual time. A nonhormonal back-up method of birth control must be used for the next 7 days.
If two consecutive active tablets are missed during week 3 or if three or more consecutive active tablets are missed during weeks 1-3, the following apply: Day 1 starters should discard any tablets remaining in the current pack and start a new pack the same day.
Sunday starters should continue taking one tablet every day until the following Sunday. On Sunday, any tablets remaining in the current pack should be discarded, and a new pack should be started the same day.
Both Day 1 and Sunday starters must use a nonhormonal back-up method of birth control for the next 7 days. The user may not have a withdrawal bleed until all tablets in the new pack have been taken. If the user does not have a withdrawal bleed after all tablets in the new pack have been taken, pregnancy must be ruled out before tablet-taking is resumed.
Advice in case of vomiting and/or diarrhea: If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 4 hours after tablet-taking, tablet absorption may be incomplete. Use of tablets from a back-up pack is required, as outlined below. Refer to recommendations for Management of missed tablets previously.
For Monophasic COCs: The user must take the needed active tablet(s) from a back-up pack.
How to delay a period: For Monophasic COCs: To delay a menstrual period, the user should skip the tablet-free interval and immediately begin a new pack of Nordette. The delay may be continued for as long as desired up until all tablets in the new pack are taken. During the delay, the user may experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Regular intake of Nordette should be resumed after the usual 7 day tablet-free interval.