Nordette Tablet

Nordette Tablet is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing two hormones, levonorgestrel (a progestin) and ethinylestradiol (an oestrogen), used to prevent pregnancy when taken correctly. As a hormonal contraceptive, Nordette is a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia and Singapore, meaning it can only be supplied after an online or in-person consultation with a doctor who has assessed your medical history and confirmed the pill is suitable and safe for you.

Beyond pregnancy prevention, combined oral contraceptives like Nordette are sometimes prescribed by doctors to help regulate menstrual cycles or manage certain hormone-related conditions, always under medical supervision. Because it affects hormone levels throughout the body, ongoing medical follow-up is recommended to monitor suitability and detect any side effects early.

Nordette works mainly by using its combination of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol to suppress ovulation, so no egg is released from the ovaries. It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus, and thins the lining of the womb, reducing the chance of a fertilised egg implanting, together providing highly effective contraception when taken consistently.

Nordette should only be taken after a doctor has prescribed it following a consultation, such as through DoctorOnCall’s online consultation service. Tablets are usually taken once daily at approximately the same time each day, following the sequence and instructions on the pack, and it is important not to skip or double up doses without guidance, as this can reduce contraceptive effectiveness.

The typical regimen involves taking one tablet daily for the number of active days specified on the pack, following the prescribing doctor’s instructions and the patient information leaflet, often followed by a short hormone-free interval depending on the pack type. Your prescribing doctor will confirm exactly how to start the pack based on your cycle and individual circumstances, and dosing should never be adjusted without medical advice.

Nordette Tablet typically has a shelf life of around 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture when stored correctly and unopened; always check the expiry date printed on the packaging before use. Do not use tablets beyond their expiry date, as their hormonal potency and reliability as a contraceptive cannot be guaranteed.

Store Nordette Tablet below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, keeping it in its original blister pack until each dose is taken. Keep out of reach and sight of children, as accidental ingestion of hormonal tablets can be harmful.

• Known or suspected pregnancy
• History of blood clots (venous or arterial thromboembolism), stroke, or heart disease
• Migraine with aura
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Smokers over 35 years of age (increased cardiovascular risk with combined hormonal contraceptives)
• Certain liver diseases or liver tumours
• Hormone-sensitive cancers, such as some types of breast cancer
• Known hypersensitivity to levonorgestrel, ethinylestradiol, or any component of the tablet

• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines that may reduce contraceptive effectiveness
• Anti-epileptic medicines (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) that can lower hormone levels
• St John’s Wort, an herbal supplement that can reduce contraceptive reliability
• Other hormonal medicines, which may interact with the pill’s effects
• Smoking, which increases cardiovascular risk when combined with hormonal contraceptives

• Take your tablet at the same time every day for the most reliable protection
• Use backup contraception (e.g. condoms) if you miss a dose or start certain interacting medicines, as advised by your doctor
• Report any leg swelling, chest pain, sudden severe headache, or visual disturbance to a doctor immediately
• Keep regular follow-up appointments with your prescribing doctor to review suitability
• Do not share your prescribed pills with others
• Discuss any planned surgery or long periods of immobility with your doctor, as these may affect suitability

Because Nordette is a hormonal medicine with effects throughout the body, it is only available in Malaysia and Singapore following a doctor’s assessment and prescription, such as through DoctorOnCall’s online consultation service. Your doctor will review your personal and family medical history, including any history of blood clots, migraine, smoking status, and blood pressure, before confirming that Nordette is an appropriate contraceptive choice, and will advise on regular follow-up.