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Sexual Health Women’s Health Birth Control Heather
Sexual Health ... Heather

Heather birth control prescription available online

Heather (norethindrone) oral contraceptive pill is highly effective for pregnancy prevention. Get a new prescription or refill of Heather from a caring, board-certified primary care doctor online.*

Up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy Convenient online Heather prescriptions Progestin-only birth control pill
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. According to the NIH, “if used perfectly, the first-year failure rate for progestin-only oral contraceptives is 0.5%. However, the typical failure rate is estimated to be closer to 5%, due to late or omitted pills.”

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About Heather birth control

Heather is considered a progestin-only birth control pill, which helps regulate ovulation and prevent pregnancy. Like other birth control pills, this medication does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

Heather is used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be prescribed to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Heather is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as norethindrone, as well as under different brand names.

Heather may be prescribed as an oral tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.

If you're prescribed Heather, be sure to take the medication as directed. If you don’t take your prescription as directed, the birth control pill may not work as effectively to prevent pregnancy or treat your condition.

Heather oral contraceptive uses

There are several FDA-approved uses for Heather, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy prevention (birth control)

Heather is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy. It works by making vaginal fluid thicker and preventing fertilization.

While some forms of Heather are only prescribed to prevent pregnancy, other forms may be used to treat menstrual disorders, abnormal menstrual bleeding, and endometriosis in women.

Heather side effects

The side effects associated with taking Heather are typically mild. Most Heather side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. Heather has some common side effects. They may include:

  • Nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting

  • Dizziness or headaches

  • Breakthrough bleeding or spotting


Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

  • Signs of liver disease (dark urine, jaundice, decreased appetite)

  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body

  • Severe dizziness or passing out


Tell your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if any other new or concerning side effects occur. The use of Heather in children is not recommended before menarche.

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How to take Heather birth control pills

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Heather prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Heather comes in one form, an oral tablet, at 0.35 mg. Be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. You should take your first birth control pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins. You'll need to use a back-up method, such as condoms or spermicide, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

You can take Heather with or without food. If you throw up, have diarrhea, or take pills outside your regular dosing schedule, Heather may not work as effectively to prevent pregnancy.

What to avoid while taking Heather

Heather has some drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or herbal products, as well as over-the-counter drugs. 

Possible interactions with Heather include:

  • St. John's Wort

  • HIV/AIDs medicine

  • Seizure medications

  • Certain antibiotic or antifungal medications

  • Medicine used to treat tuberculosis


It is safe to drink alcohol while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on Heather. Grapefruit may increase the plasma concentrations of Heather.

Do not take Heather if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor before taking Heather while breastfeeding.

Medication alternatives to Heather

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another progestin-only birth control pill or hormonal birth control in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Pregnancy prevention

Ortho tri cyclen Yaz birth control Junel Fe Lo loestrin fe NuvaRing

Heather prescription FAQs

How much does Heather cost?

Depending on your pharmacy, Heather (0.35 mg) costs around $43 for 84 tablets without insurance. Fortunately, many health insurance plans offer free or low-cost birth control pills. If you're paying without insurance, our prescription discount card helps members save up to 80% on prescriptions.

How can I refill my Heather birth control prescription?

Heather is only available by prescription, so you will need to see a board-certified doctor to get a refill on your prescription. To get started, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.

Who should not take Heather oral contraceptive pills?

To make sure Heather is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • Heart disease or high blood pressure

  • History of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke

  • Irregular vaginal bleeding

  • High cholesterol or triglycerides

  • Kidney or liver disease

  • Breast cancer

  • History of weight loss surgery

  • Stroke

  • Seizures

 

If you have underlying risk factors for cardiovascular disease, you may require regular laboratory and medical tests to make sure hormonal birth control is safe for you.

Ask your doctor for medical advice about non-hormonal birth control.

Should I have a period on Heather?

Yes, you should still get your period while taking Heather birth control. If you miss your period for two months in a row, tell your doctor.

Do you ovulate on Heather?

Heather stops ovulation in about half of those taking it. To prevent unintended pregnancy, make sure to take your pill at the same time every day.

Does the Heather pill cause weight gain?

Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect of Heather birth control.

What are the chances of getting pregnant on Heather birth control?

Studies suggest that one in 200 (0.5%) progestin-only hormonal contraceptive users become pregnant in the first year with perfect use. About one in 20 (5%) of typical Heather users, including women who miss pills, become pregnant in the first year of use.

Will I get my period on Heather birth control?

Heather and other progesterone only contraceptive birth control pills may cause you to stop having periods. Variations in menstrual cycles can occur with Heather. Your period may be lighter or heavier than usual. You may also notice breakthrough bleeding (spotting) between periods.

What happens if I miss a dose of Heather?

If you miss a dose of Heather, ask your doctor for medical advice. Missing a pill increases your risk of pregnancy. If you're more than three hours late for your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and use back-up birth control for 48 hours.

What happens if I take too much Heather?

If you've taken too much Heather, call your doctor immediately or contact your local poison control center.

3 simple steps to request your Heather prescription today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a Heather prescription request appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Heather prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your Heather prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Heather prescription pricing details

To get a new or refill on your Heather prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

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$19.99

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Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

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Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.