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atorvastatin vs norethindrone

Side-by-side comparison of atorvastatin and norethindrone. 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

Oral Contraceptives: May increase plasma levels of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol; consider this effect when selecting an oral contraceptive (7.3 ). Table 4: Atorvastatin Effects on Other Drugs Oral Contraceptives Clinical Impact: Co-administration of atorvastatin and an oral contraceptive increased plasma concentrations of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Recommendation: Talk to your healthcare provider about how this might affect your choice of oral contraceptive.

Drug Class
atorvastatin HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin)
norethindrone Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptive
Type
atorvastatin Prescription
norethindrone Prescription
Summary
atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a drug that lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart problems and stroke. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins.

norethindrone

Camila and Errin are progestin-only birth control pills. They help prevent pregnancy.

What It Treats
atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is used to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in your blood. It can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and the need for heart procedures in adults with heart disease or risk factors for it. It is also used in children 10 years and older with certain inherited cholesterol problems.

norethindrone

These pills are used to prevent pregnancy. They are a type of oral contraceptive, also known as birth control pills. When taken correctly, birth control pills are very effective at preventing pregnancy.

How It Works
atorvastatin

Atorvastatin works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. This helps to lower the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Lowering cholesterol can help prevent heart disease.

norethindrone

Camila and Errin contain a progestin hormone. This hormone prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

Common Side Effects
atorvastatin
  • Common cold symptoms
  • Joint pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain in arms or legs
  • Urinary tract infection
norethindrone
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (like cramps and bloating)
  • Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
  • Changes in menstrual flow
FAERS Reports
atorvastatin
  • Tiredness 13,809
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 12,421
  • Type 2 diabetes 11,243
  • Diarrhea 11,034
  • Difficulty breathing 11,029
norethindrone
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 449
  • Pain in your head 424
  • Sudden feeling of warmth 370
  • Feeling tired 322
  • Aching or soreness 308
Serious Warnings
atorvastatin

Atorvastatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. In rare cases, this can lead to serious kidney damage. Tell your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Atorvastatin can also cause liver problems. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking atorvastatin and while you are taking it.

norethindrone

Cigarette smoking increases your risk of serious heart problems from birth control pills. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke. You should not take this medication if you are over 35 and smoke.

Pregnancy
atorvastatin

Atorvastatin can harm an unborn baby. You should not take atorvastatin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is also not recommended to breastfeed while taking atorvastatin.

norethindrone

These pills should not be taken if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Talk to your doctor about other birth control options if you are breastfeeding.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This atorvastatin vs norethindrone Comparison

atorvastatin is classified in the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin) drug class, while norethindrone sits within the Progestin-Only 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 prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, atorvastatin has 59,536 submissions while norethindrone has 1,873. 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 taking atorvastatin can raise the levels of this hormone in your bloodstream.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between atorvastatin and norethindrone - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.