What is the brand name for Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone?
The most common brand name for Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone is Loestrin / Junel FE.
PTCE Top 200 · #79
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone
Loestrin / Junel FE
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone is the generic name for the brand-name drug Loestrin. It is a combined oral contraceptive used to treat birth control. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone ranks #79 and is one of the most frequently tested hormones/women's health medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Loestrin / Junel FE |
| Drug class | Combined oral contraceptive |
| Class group | Hormones/Women's Health |
| Common use | birth control |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone used for?
• Prevention of pregnancy (combined oral contraceptive).
What drug class is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone is a Combined oral contraceptive in the Hormones/Women's Health group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightBreast tenderness
- arrow_rightBreakthrough bleeding
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightMood changes
Major interactions
- arrow_rightEnzyme inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s wort) ↓ contraceptive efficacy
- arrow_rightSome antivirals/antibiotics (e.g., rifampin) reduce efficacy; counsel backup method
- arrow_rightLamotrigine levels may decrease with estrogen-containing OCs (seizure control issues)
- arrow_rightWarfarin: may alter anticoagulant requirements
Is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone a controlled substance?
No. Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined oral contraceptives; contraindicated in women >35 who smoke.
How to remember Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone (PTCE mnemonic)
LO-estrin = LOw estrogen combo OC. Clot risk (VTE/stroke); NO smoking >35yo (boxed); breakthrough bleed common with low-dose.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
A combined oral contraceptive = estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) + a progestin (norethindrone). Estrogen pills carry a clot/stroke warning, especially in smokers over 35.
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone FAQ
What is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone used for?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone is used to treat birth control. • Prevention of pregnancy (combined oral contraceptive).
What drug class is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone is a Combined oral contraceptive (Hormones/Women's Health group).
Is Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone a controlled substance?
No. Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Hormones/Women's Health group
Drill Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).