Medical Review by DeAnna McGarity MD
Summary:
- Errin® is a birth control pill that contains only one hormone, progestin, as opposed to combination birth control medications that also contain estrogen.
- The medication works by preventing your ovaries from producing eggs to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy. It also changes the lining of the uterus and the mucus in your cervix to make it more difficult for male sperm to fertilize an egg if one is present.
- Errin® may be a good option for individuals who cannot tolerate estrogen-containing contraceptives or who are at risk for deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Errin® may cause side effects like menstrual irregularities, headache, breast tenderness, and nausea. Other side effects (including rare but more severe ones) are also possible.
- Consult your healthcare provider before taking Errin® or any contraceptive medication. Only a qualified healthcare professional can recommend and prescribe a safe and effective contraceptive.
What is Errin®?
Errin® is a birth control pill that contains only progestin, as opposed to combination birth control pills that contain progestin and estrogen. Progestin is a female hormone that helps prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs while changing the lining of your uterus and your cervical mucus to help them keep out male sperm. All of this helps to prevent unwanted pregnancy when the medication is taken as directed.
Learn more about Errin® below, including its uses, benefits, and potential side effects. This information can help you make informed choices about using Errin® for birth control.
Is Errin® right for you?
While Errin® is a suitable birth control option for many women, it may not be right for everyone. Make sure to understand the potential side effects associated with this medication and talk about them with a qualified healthcare provider before seeking a prescription for Errin® or taking it for birth control.
Common side effects of Errin®
Errin®, like all medications, may cause side effects in some users. Below is a table showing the rarity and severity of the side effects associated with this medication:
| Severity | Frequency | Side Effect |
| Mild | Common | Menstrual irregularities (frequent and irregular bleeding, bleeding for longer than average, or not menstruating at all) |
| Common | Headache | |
| Common | Breast tenderness | |
| Common | Nausea | |
| Common | Dizziness | |
| Rare | Acne | |
| Rare | Excessive hair growth | |
| Rare | Weight gain | |
| Rare | Fatigue | |
| Rare | Nervousness | |
| Rare | Pain in extremities | |
| Rare | Genital discharge | |
| Rare | Delayed menstruation | |
| Rare | Suppressed lactation | |
| Rare | Alopecia (hair loss) | |
| Rare | Rash | |
| Rare | Pruritic rash (itchy rash) | |
| Severe | Common | Vomiting |
| Common | Abdominal pain | |
| Rare | Depression | |
| Rare | Edema (swelling) | |
| Rare | Breast pain | |
| Rare | Vaginal hemorrhage | |
| Rare | Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) | |
| Rare | Withdrawal bleeding after medication is discontinued | |
| Rare | Severe allergic reaction | |
| Rare | Hypersensitivity | |
| Rare | Hepatitis | |
| Rare | Jaundice cholestatic (yellowing of skin or eyes) |
It is important to communicate with your healthcare provider if you experience severe or persistent side effects. In some instances, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage or consider alternative birth control methods to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. This medication may affect the dosing of other drugs taken, so please discuss with your healthcare provider, if taking other medications.
Who should not take Errin®?
You should not take Errin (norethindrone tablets) if:
- You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
- You have breast cancer or suspect you might have it.
- You have unexplained vaginal bleeding that hasn’t been diagnosed.
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients in Errin®.
- You have liver tumors (benign or malignant).
- You have acute liver disease.
- You have had severe allergic reactions to similar medications in the past.
- You are a heavy smoker. While not an absolute rule, it’s strongly advised not to use this medication due to the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How Errin® works
Progestin-only birth control pills like Errin® work by altering your menstrual cycle to prevent you from ovulating. They do this by suppressing several hormones that play a key role in how you menstruate, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
However, it does not protect against HIV, AIDS and any other sexually transmitted diseases.
The potential benefits of progestin-only birth control medications
Progestin-only birth control medications like Errin® can offer several benefits over combination oral contraceptives that use both progestin and estrogen. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Progestin-only birth control is associated with fewer side effects. Note that side effects can still occur (see “The side effects of Errin®” listed above), as with any medication.
- Some research suggests that progestin-only birth control pills may be better than combination birth control at reducing pelvic pain from endometriosis, a common gynecological condition that can cause severe discomfort
- Progestin-only birth control like Errin® may be safer than combination birth control for women who are at higher risk for venous thromboembolic events like deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. This includes women of reproductive age who suffer from obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure, who are pregnant, or who smoke tobacco products.
How to use Errin®
Using Errin® the way it is intended is essential for keeping it as safe and effective as possible. The following advice comes from the patient information for Errin®—read it in full to learn more.
When to start taking Errin®
You should start taking Errin® (norethindrone tablets) on the first day of your menstrual period. This will make it as effective as possible from the very beginning.
If you decide to start Errin® on another day, you will need to use a backup method of contraception every time you have sex for the next 48 hours. If you have had a miscarriage or an abortion, you can start taking Errin the next day.
How often to take Errin®
You should take Errin® at the same time every day, without any breaks between packs. This means taking one pill each day, regardless of whether you are bleeding or not.
Consistency is the key to keeping Errin® effective, so choose a time that is convenient for you and stick to it daily. Always have your next pack of pills ready before you finish your current one to avoid any interruptions.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Errin® or take a pill more than three hours late, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. Then, continue taking your pills at your regular scheduled time. You should also use a backup method of contraception every time you have sex for the next 48 hours.
If you are unsure about what to do after missing a dose, keep taking Errin® and use a backup method until you can talk to your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding
- If you are fully breastfeeding (not giving your baby any food or formula), you may start your pills 6 weeks after delivery.
- If you are partially breastfeeding (giving your baby some food or formula), you may start taking pills by 3 weeks after delivery
- Please discuss with obstetrics gynecology or primary care provider
Find expert health support for your Errin® journey
Be sure to discuss your medical history and individual health needs with your healthcare provider before starting Errin® or any other contraceptive medication. Your healthcare provider may also ask about any medications or supplements you currently take to ensure that they will not interact or interfere with Errin®’s effects.
Lemonaid Health can help by putting you in touch with a US-based medical professional for a consultation about whether Errin® is right for you. We can also prescribe and deliver this medication to you if it is clinically indicated. Learn more about our options for birth control support.
FAQ:
What makes Errin® different from combination birth control pills?
Errin® is a type of birth control that only contains progestin. This makes it a good choice for people who are unable to handle estrogen or who prefer not to use it for medical reasons. Unlike combination birth control pills, Errin® does not contain estrogen, which may be beneficial for some users.
Errin® is a registered trademark of MAYNE PHARMA LLC.
