Tri-Norinyl

Tri-Norinyl is a prescription birth control pill that is both a "combined" and a "triphasic" oral contraceptive. The drug is a combined oral contraceptive because it contains a progestin and an estrogen, and is triphasic because it contains three different "phases" of hormones in each pack. This contraceptive must be taken in order and at the same time every day. Side effects may include nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches.

 

What Is Tri-Norinyl?

Tri-Norinyl® (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription birth control pill (technically known as an oral contraceptive). The following generic birth control pills are equivalent to Tri-Norinyl:
 
(Click Tri-Norinyl Uses for more information on what Tri-Norinyl is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Tri-Norinyl?

Tri-Norinyl and Leena are made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Aranelle is made by Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (see Generic Tri-Norinyl for more information).
 

How Does Tri-Norinyl Work?

Tri-Norinyl belongs to a group of birth control pills known as combined oral contraceptives, which means that it contains two different types of hormones. It contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). Combined oral contraceptives are the most common type of birth control pills used today.
 
Tri-Norinyl is also a "triphasic" birth control pill, which means that there are three different "phases" of pills in each pack (plus the last week of tablets that does not contain any hormones). Each phase has a different amount of the progesterone hormone. This is why it is very important to take the pills in the correct order.
 
Most importantly, the hormones in Tri-Norinyl prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, minor ways. Tri-Norinyl changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Lastly, Tri-Norinyl alters the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;