Generic Aygestin

Common use

Aygestin is a synthesized female hormone progesterone. Its main component is norethindrone acetate. The drug may contain only norethindrone as a single component or be a combination of oral estrogen and norethindrone, which is safe and causes less side effects. It is used to restore menstruation in women who have stopped having menstrual cycles for several months (amenorrhea), endometriosis (condition when lining of the uterus is abnormal and can be found in the abdomen/pelvic area, causing painful/irregular periods), in cases of abnormal bleeding and endometriosis. This medication stops the normal growth of the uterus lining during the menstrual cycle and causes hormone changes in the uterus to restore normal menstrual periods.



Dosage and direction

Aygestin is usually taken from 2.5 to 10 milligrams daily during 5-10 days in the second half of a 28-day cycle. Your period should start 3 to 7 days after taking of Aygestin is discontinued. Endometriosis is treated by starting dose is 5 milligrams a day for 2 weeks which can be increased by 2.5 milligrams a day every 2 weeks up to a maximum of 15 milligrams a day. Take exactly as recommended by your doctor and do not exceed the dose without your doctor's approval.



Precautions

This medication is not used to test for pregnancy, prevent miscarriages, or to control bleeding caused by fibroids or cancer. Aygestin increases the risk of blood clots, which results in phlebitis, breathing problems, vision problems, or stroke. Inform your doctor if you are going to be operated even if it is a dental surgery. Avoid smoking. Do not use Aygestin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you had in history such conditions: high blood pressure, seizures, migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, problems with heart, liver, kidneys, strokes, blood clots, cancer of the breast or genitals, high blood level of cholesterol or fats, depression, excessive weight gain or swelling during menstrual cycle, jaundice.



Contraindications

Aygestin is contraindicated in pregnant women, patients with thromboembolic disorders, thrombophlebitis, cerebral apoplexy (either in history), in patients with known or suspected breast cancer, serious liver dysfunction or liver disease, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, and missed abortion.



Possible side effect

Any medication is able to evoke side effects and it depends on your individual reaction. You may experience signs of allergy (acne, allergic reaction, blood clots in the arteries, veins, eyes, or lungs) and others as well: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, depression, sleeplessness, or irritability, breakthrough menstrual bleeding, breast enlargement or tenderness, cervical changes or secretions, change in menstrual flow, headache.



Drug interaction

Inform your doctor and laboratory operators about all medications and herbal products you are taking if you are treated with Aygestin.



Missed dose

If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time of the next intake by your schedule. If so skip the missed dose. Do not try to make up a missed dose by taking an extra one.



Overdose

If you suspect that you took too much of the medication seek for immediate medical attention.



Storage

Store Aygestin in a dry place away from sunlight at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)