acetaminophen vs ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of acetaminophen and ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase systemic exposure of EE possibly by inhibition of conjugation. Other Drugs Clinical effect Concomitant use of COCs may decrease systemic exposure of acetaminophen, morphine, salicylic acid, and temazepam.
Tylenol
Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Sprintec
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a medicine that can relieve pain and reduce fever. It is available over-the-counter.
Iclevia is a birth control pill. It contains two hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, to prevent pregnancy.
This medicine temporarily relieves minor aches and pains. It can help with headaches, the common cold, backaches, and minor arthritis pain. It can also help with toothaches, muscle aches, premenstrual and menstrual cramps. Acetaminophen can also temporarily reduce fever.
Iclevia is used by women who can get pregnant to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones, a progestin and an estrogen. These hormones work together to prevent ovulation and change the lining of the uterus.
Acetaminophen's exact mechanism is not fully understood. It is believed to work in the brain to reduce pain signals. It also helps to lower body temperature when you have a fever.
Iclevia contains two hormones: levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. These hormones prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). They also change the lining of the uterus, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.
- • Headache
- • Nausea
- • Headache
- • Heavier menstrual bleeding
- • Nausea
- • Painful periods
- • Acne
- Fatigue 34,487
- Nausea 29,567
- Headache 28,380
- Pain 28,314
- Diarrhoea 23,626
No adverse event reports.
Taking more acetaminophen than directed can cause liver damage. Follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Cigarette smoking increases your risk of serious heart problems from birth control pills. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke more cigarettes. If you are over 35 and smoke, you should not take Iclevia.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
Do not use Iclevia if you are pregnant. Iclevia can reduce milk production while breastfeeding, so another form of birth control is recommended. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
Also Compare, Nearby Drugs
How to Read This acetaminophen vs ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate Comparison
acetaminophen is classified in the Analgesic / Antipyretic drug class, while ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate sits within the Combined Oral Contraceptive class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are split between OTC and prescription status, which affects access and supervision.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, acetaminophen has 144,374 submissions while ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate has 0. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to acetaminophen can stop the body from breaking down the estrogen in birth control, while the birth control can also lower the amount of acetaminophen in your blood.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for acetaminophen or ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.