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Registry Hub
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
HomeDrug RegistryCompareORTHO NOVUM 1 80 28 vs NORINYL 1 35 28 DAY
Comparative Pharmacology

ORTHO NOVUM 1 80 28 vs NORINYL 1 35 28 DAY Comparison

Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.

Clinical EssentialsPharmacokineticsSpecial PopulationsSafety & MonitoringPregnancy & LactationClinical Insights
Differential Analysis

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28 vs NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Head-to-head clinical comparison of therapeutic indices and safety profiles.

View ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28 Monograph View NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY Monograph
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
Hormonal Contraceptive
Category C
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Combined Oral Contraceptive
Category C

Clinical Essentials

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Mechanism of Action
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Combination estrogen-progestin contraceptive; primarily inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin release (FSH and LH). Also increases cervical mucus viscosity and alters endometrial receptivity.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Norethindrone is a progestogen that suppresses gonadotropin release, inhibiting ovulation; ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen that provides negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, further suppressing ovulation and altering cervical mucus and endometrial thickness.

Indications
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Prevention of pregnancy

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Prevention of pregnancy,Treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women who desire an oral contraceptive

Standard Dosing
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

One tablet orally once daily at the same time each day for 28 days (21 active tablets containing norethindrone 1 mg and ethinyl estradiol 80 mcg, followed by 7 placebo tablets).

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

One tablet orally once daily for 28 consecutive days (21 active tablets followed by 7 inert tablets).

Direct Interaction
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
No Direct Interaction
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
No Direct Interaction

Pharmacokinetics

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Half-Life
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Norethindrone: 7-8 hours; mestranol: 10-13 hours (terminal). Steady-state achieved in 5-7 days.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Norethindrone: 7-8 hours (terminal half-life); steady state achieved after 5 days. Ethinyl estradiol: biphasic with terminal half-life of 13-27 hours (mean ~17 hours). Clinical context: dosing interval of 24 hours allows stable hormone levels after first cycle.

Metabolism
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Special Populations

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Renal Adjustments
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

No specific dose adjustment recommended; use with caution in patients with renal impairment due to potential fluid retention. GFR-based modifications not established.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. Not studied in severe renal impairment (Cr Cl <30 m L/min); contraindicated in acute renal failure or significant renal disease due to potential fluid retention.

Hepatic Adjustments

Safety & Monitoring

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Black Box Warnings
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
FDA Black Box Warning

Cigarette smoking increases risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptives. Risk increases with age and smoking intensity, especially in women over 35 years of age. Women using oral contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke.

Pregnancy & Lactation

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Teratogenic Risk
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

First trimester: No consistent evidence of major malformations, but oral contraceptives are not recommended due to potential risk. Second/third trimester: No specific fetal risks; exposure is not advised due to hormonal effects.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

First trimester: No increased risk of major birth defects from inadvertent exposure. Second and third trimesters: Avoid use due to risk of fetal harm from estrogen/progestin exposure; association with placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery.

Clinical Insights

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Clinical Pearls
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

1. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered; if more than 24 hours late, use backup contraception for 7 days. 2. Monitor blood pressure within 3 months of initiation due to potential hypertensive effects. 3. Caution in patients with migraine with aura due to increased stroke risk. 4. The estrogen component (mestranol) is a prodrug of ethinyl estradiol; bioavailability considerations influence dosing. 5. 21 active pills followed by 7 placebo pills; ensure patient understands the tricycle regimen.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Norinyl 1+35 (norethindrone 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg) is a monophasic combined oral contraceptive. Missed pill management: if one active pill missed, take as soon as remembered; if two missed in week 1 or 2, take two pills on day remembered and two on next day; if two missed in week 3 or three missed at any time, discard remainder of pack and start new pack next day. Use backup contraception for 7 days after any miss. Advise to take at same time daily to maintain consistent hormone levels. Monitor for thromboembolic events; absolute contraindication if history of DVT/PE or migraine with aura. Prescribe with caution in smokers over 35 years old.

Safety Verification

Known Interactions

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28 Risks

No interactions on record

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY Risks

No interactions on record

Clinical Q&A

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary difference between ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28 and NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY?

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28 and NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY are distinct pharmacological agents. ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28 belongs to the Hormonal Contraceptive class and is primarily used for Prevention of pregnancy. NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY belongs to the Combined Oral Contraceptive class and is primarily used for Prevention of pregnancyTreatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women who desire an oral contraceptive. Their specific mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and side effects differ.

2. Are ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28 and NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY safe during pregnancy?

The maternal-fetal safety profiles of these drugs differ. ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28 carries a safety status of Category C, whereas NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY safety is classified as Category C. Consult a board-certified physician or healthcare specialist to establish an accurate, individualized pregnancy risk assessment before starting either therapy.

Ethinyl estradiol is metabolized primarily via CYP3A4 and undergoes glucuronidation; norethindrone is metabolized via reduction and conjugation.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Norethindrone is primarily metabolized via reduction and conjugation; ethinyl estradiol is metabolized by CYP3A4 and undergoes conjugation. Both are hepatically eliminated.

Excretion
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Norethindrone: 50-60% renal, 20-30% fecal; mestranol: 30-40% renal, 60-70% fecal.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Renal: 50-60% (conjugates and metabolites), Fecal: 30-40% (biliary elimination of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol conjugates); total clearance ~4-6 m L/min/kg.

Protein Binding
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Norethindrone: 60-80% bound to albumin and SHBG; mestranol: 90-95% bound to albumin and SHBG.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Norethindrone: 80-85% bound to albumin and SHBG; Ethinyl estradiol: 95-98% bound to albumin (not strongly to SHBG).

VD (L/kg)
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Norethindrone: 2-4 L/kg; mestranol: 1-3 L/kg. Indicates extensive tissue distribution.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Norethindrone: 2-4 L/kg; Ethinyl estradiol: 2.5-5 L/kg; both indicate extensive tissue distribution.

Bioavailability
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Oral: norethindrone 50-65%, mestranol 40-60% due to first-pass metabolism.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Norethindrone: 64-67% (oral, first-pass metabolism); Ethinyl estradiol: 38-48% (oral, extensive first-pass conjugation); food does not significantly alter bioavailability.

ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Contraindicated in patients with Child-Pugh class C cirrhosis. Use with caution in Child-Pugh class A or B; consider alternative contraception due to risk of decreased hormone clearance.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Contraindicated in Child-Pugh class B and C (moderate to severe hepatic impairment). Use with caution in Child-Pugh class A (mild hepatic impairment) as metabolism may be reduced; monitor for adverse effects.

Pediatric Dosing
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Not indicated for premenarchal girls. For postmenarchal adolescents, same dosing as adults: one tablet orally once daily for 28 days.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Not indicated for use before menarche. For postmenarchal adolescents, dose is same as adults: one tablet orally once daily for 28 days.

Geriatric Dosing
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Not indicated for use in postmenopausal women. No geriatric dosing established; use not recommended in women over 50 years due to increased risk of thromboembolism and lack of efficacy for contraception.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Not indicated for use after menopause. In perimenopausal women, same adult dosing applies; monitor for increased risk of thromboembolism, hypertension, and carbohydrate intolerance.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
FDA Black Box Warning

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse events from combined hormonal contraceptive use. This risk increases with age, especially in women over 35, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Women who use combined hormonal contraceptives should be strongly advised not to smoke.

Warnings/Precautions
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
  • Increased risk of thromboembolic disorders
  • Cerebrovascular disease
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Breast cancer risk
  • Hepatic neoplasia
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Glucose intolerance
  • Ocular lesions
  • Headache
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Depression
  • Contact lens intolerance
  • Fluid retention
  • Lipid effects
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Increased risk of thromboembolic disorders; liver disease; hypertension; gallbladder disease; carbohydrate and lipid effects; headache; irregular bleeding; ectopic pregnancy; depression; cervical cancer; hereditary angioedema; chloasma; retinal thrombosis; monitoring of blood pressure, glucose, lipids, liver function.

Contraindications
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
  • Known or suspected pregnancy
  • Current or past thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders
  • Cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease
  • Known or suspected breast carcinoma
  • Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
  • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
  • Cholestatic jaundice of pregnancy or jaundice with prior oral contraceptive use
  • Hepatic adenoma or carcinoma
  • Known or suspected hypersensitivity to any component
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders; cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease; known or suspected breast carcinoma; undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding; pregnancy; liver tumors or active liver disease; known hypersensitivity; concomitant use with hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir.

Adverse Reactions
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
Data Pending
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Data Pending
Food Interactions
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

No significant food interactions; however, high-fat meals may delay absorption. Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase estrogen levels via CYP3A4 inhibition.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

No significant food interactions. Grapefruit juice may increase estrogen levels; advise limited consumption. Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Avoid St. John's Wort as it may reduce contraceptive efficacy.

Lactation Summary
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Excreted in breast milk; may reduce milk production and affect infant. M/P ratio not well established. Avoid use during breastfeeding.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Excreted in breast milk in small amounts; M/P ratio not established for norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol combination. Use with caution; may reduce milk production. Consider alternative contraception during breastfeeding.

Pregnancy Dosing
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

No dose adjustment applicable; drug is contraindicated in pregnancy. Pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy may alter efficacy but no standard dose modification exists.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Contraindicated in pregnancy; no dose adjustments recommended as use is not advised. Pharmacokinetic changes (increased clearance, volume of distribution) are relevant only if inadvertent exposure occurs, but no dose adjustment is standard.

Maternal Safety Status
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28
Category C
NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY
Category C
Patient Counseling
ORTHO-NOVUM 1/80 28

Take one pill at the same time daily, preferably after dinner to reduce nausea.,If you miss a pill, consult the package insert for instructions; use backup contraception as needed.,Report unusual symptoms: leg pain/swelling (DVT), chest pain/shortness of breath (pulmonary embolism), severe headache, vision changes.,This does not protect against STIs; use condoms for additional protection.,Expect breakthrough bleeding or spotting in the first few months; persistent bleeding requires evaluation.,Smoking increases risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.

NORINYL 1+35 28-DAY

Take one tablet daily at the same time, preferably after the evening meal to reduce nausea.,Start the first pill on the first day of menstrual period for immediate contraceptive protection.,If you miss a pill, refer to the package insert or call your healthcare provider.,Use a back-up contraceptive method (e.g., condoms) for the first 7 days if starting after day 5 of your cycle.,Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, and breakthrough bleeding, which often improve after 3 months.,Seek medical attention for severe abdominal pain, chest pain, leg swelling, or severe headache.,Do not smoke while taking this medication, especially if over 35 years old, due to increased risk of blood clots.,This medication does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.