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Zenchent Fe: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

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Facts
Status:
Prescription (Rx) Boxed warning
Strength:
0.4 mg, 0.035 mg
Drug class:
Active ingredients:

Patient information: uses, side effects, how to take - Zenchent Fe

What is the most important information I should know about Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

Do not use Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from birth control pills, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.

What is Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets are a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) used by women to prevent pregnancy.

How does Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets work for contraception?

Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for taking your birth control pills. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.

Based on the results of one clinical study of a 28-day regimen of norethindrone 0.4 mg/ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg tablets, about 1 to 2 out of 100 women may get pregnant during the first year they use Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets.

The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who use different methods of birth control. Each box on the chart contains a list of birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective methods are at the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who do not use birth control and are trying to get pregnant.

Who should not take Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

Do not take Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets if you:

  • smoke and are over 35 years of age
  • had blood clots in your arms, legs, lungs, or eyes
  • had a problem with your blood that makes it clot more than normal
  • have certain heart valve problems or irregular heart beat that increases your risk of having blood clots
  • had a stroke
  • had a heart attack
  • have high blood pressure that cannot be controlled by medicine
  • have diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage
  • have certain kinds of severe migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness or changes in vision, or any migraine headaches if you are over 35 years of age
  • have liver problems, including liver tumors
  • have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • are pregnant
  • had breast cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones
  • Take any Hepatitis C drug combination containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. This may increase levels of the liver enzyme “alanine aminotransferase” (ALT) in the blood

If any of these conditions happen while you are taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets, stop taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets right away and talk to your healthcare provider. Use non-hormonal contraception when you stop taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
  • are depressed now or have been depressed in the past
  • had yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice) caused by pregnancy (cholestasis of pregnancy)
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets may decrease the amount of breast milk you make. A small amount of the hormones in Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets may pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best birth control method for you while breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take,

including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how well Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets work.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How do I take Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

Read the Instructions for Use at the end of this Patient Information.

What are the possible serious side effects of Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

  • Like pregnancy, Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets may cause serious side effects, including blood clots in your lungs, heart attack, or a stroke that may lead to death. Some other examples of serious blood clots include blood clots in the legs or eyes.

    Serious blood clots can happen especially if you smoke, are obese, or are older than 35 years of age. Serious blood clots are more likely to happen when you:

  • first start taking birth control pills
  • restart the same or different birth control pills after not using them for a month or more

Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital emergency room right away if you have:

  • leg pain that will not go away
  • sudden severe shortness of breath
  • sudden change in vision or blindness
  • chest pain
  • a sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches
  • weakness or numbness in your arm or leg
  • trouble speaking

Other serious side effects include:

  • liver problems, including:
  • rare liver tumors
  • jaundice (cholestasis), especially if you previously had cholestasis of pregnancy. Call your healthcare provider if you have yellowing of your skin or eyes.
  • high blood pressure. You should see your healthcare provider for a yearly check of your blood pressure.
  • gallbladder problems
  • changes in the sugar and fat (cholesterol and triglycerides) levels in your blood
  • new or worsening headaches including migraine headaches
  • depression
  • possible cancer in your breast and cervix
  • swelling of your skin especially around your mouth, eyes, and in your throat (angioedema). Call your healthcare provider if you have a swollen face, lips, mouth tongue or throat, which may lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing. Your chance of having angioedema is higher is you have a history of angioedema.
  • dark patches of skin around your forehead, nose, cheeks and around your mouth, especially during pregnancy (chloasma). Women who tend to get chloasma should avoid spending a long time in sunlight, tanning booths, and under sun lamps while taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets. Use sunscreen if you have to be in the sunlight.

What are the most common side effects of Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

The most common side effects of Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets include:

  • headache (including migraine)
  • nausea and vomiting
  • breast problems
  • tenderness, pain and discomfort
  • enlargement and swelling
  • discharge
  • nipple pain
  • belly pain
  • pain with your periods (menstrual cycle)
  • mood changes, including depression
  • acne
  • vaginal infections
  • bloating
  • weight gain

These are not all the possible side effects of Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What else should I know about taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

  • If you are scheduled for any lab tests, tell your healthcare provider you are taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets. Certain blood tests may be affected by Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets.
  • Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.

How should I store Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

  • Store Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Keep Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store away from light.

General information about the safe and effective use of Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets to other people.

This Patient Information summarizes the most important information about Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets that is written for health professionals.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Does hormonal birth control cause cancer?

It is not known if hormonal birth control pills causes breast cancer. Some studies, but not all, suggest that there could be a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer among current users with longer duration of use.

If you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use hormonal birth control because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.

Women who use birth control pills may have a slightly higher chance of getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as having more sexual partners.

What if I want to become pregnant?

You may stop taking the pill whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop taking the pill.

What should I know about my period when taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

Your periods may be lighter and shorter than usual. Some women may miss a period. Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may happen while you are taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets, especially during the first few months of use. This usually is not a serious problem. It is important to continue taking your pills on a regular schedule to prevent a pregnancy.

What are the ingredients in Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

Active ingredients:

Light yellow pills: norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol

Brown pills: ferrous fumarate

Inactive ingredients:

Light yellow pills: calcium phosphate dibasic dihydrate, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, povidone, D&C yellow #10 (15% to 20%), natural spearmint flavor and sucralose

Brown pills: compressible sugar, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, and sucralose

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Zenchent Fe

norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets

Important Information about taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets

  • Take 1 pill every day at the same time. Take the pills in the order directed on your blister pack.
  • Both the light yellow pills and the brown pills may be swallowed whole or chewed and swallowed. If the pill is chewed, drink a full glass (8 ounces) of liquid immediately after swallowing.
  • Do not skip your pills, even if you do not have sex often. If you miss pills (including starting the pack late) you could get pregnant. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant.
  • If you have trouble remembering to take Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets, talk to your healthcare provider. When you first start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets, spotting or light bleeding in between your periods may occur. Contact your healthcare provider if this does not go away after a few months.
  • You may feel sick to your stomach (nauseous), especially during the first few months of taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets. If you feel sick to your stomach, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If your nausea does not go away, call your healthcare provider.
  • Missing pills can also cause spotting or light bleeding, even when you take the missed pills later. On the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills (see below), you could also feel a little sick to your stomach.
  • It is not uncommon to miss a period. However, if you miss a period and have not taken Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets according to directions, or miss 2 periods in a row, or feel like you may be pregnant, call your healthcare provider. If you have a positive pregnancy test, you should stop taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets.
  • If you have vomiting or diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking your pill, take another pill of the same color from your extra blister pack. If you do not have an extra blister pack, take the next pill in your blister pack.

Continue taking all your remaining pills in order. Start the first pill of your next blister pack the day after finishing your current blister pack. This will be 1 day earlier than originally scheduled. Continue on your new schedule.

  • If you have vomiting or diarrhea for more than 1 day, your birth control pills may not work as well. Use an additional birth control method, like condoms and a spermicide, until you check with your healthcare provider.
  • Stop taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets at least 4 weeks before you have major surgery and do not restart after the surgery without asking your healthcare provider. Be sure to use other forms of contraception (like condoms and spermicide) during this time period.

Before you start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets:

  • Decide what time of day you want to take your pill. It is important to take it at the same time every day and in the order as directed on your blister pack.
  • Have backup contraception (condoms and spermicide) available and if possible, an extra full pack of pills as needed.

When should I start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?

If you start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets and you have not used a hormonal birth control method before:

  • There are 2 ways to start taking your birth control pills. You can either start on a Sunday (Sunday Start) or on the first day (Day 1) of your natural menstrual period (Day 1 Start). Your healthcare provider should tell you when to start taking your birth control pill.
  • If you use the Sunday Start, use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as condoms and spermicide for the first 7 days that you take Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets. You do not need back-up contraception if you use the Day 1 Start.

If you start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets and you are switching from another birth control pill:

  • Start your new Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets pack on the same day that you would start the next pack of your previous birth control method.
  • Do not continue taking the pills from your previous birth control pack.

If you start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets and previously used a vaginal ring or transdermal patch:

  • Start using Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets on the day you would have reapplied the next ring or patch.

If you start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets and you are switching from a progestin-only method such as an implant or injection:

  • Start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets on the day of removal of your implant or on the day when you would have had your next injection.

If you start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets and you are switching from an intrauterine device or system (IUD or IUS):

  • Start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets on the day of removal of your IUD or IUS.
  • You do not need back-up contraception if your IUD or IUS is removed on the first day (Day 1) of your period. If your IUD or IUS is removed on any other day, use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as condoms and spermicide for the first 7 days that you take Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets.

Keep a calendar to track your period:

If this is the first time you are taking birth control pills, read, “When should I start taking Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets?” above. Follow these instructions for either a Sunday Start or a Day 1 Start.

Sunday Start:

You will use a Sunday Start if your healthcare provider told you to take your first pill on a Sunday.

  • Take pill 1 on the Sunday after your period starts.
  • If your period starts on a Sunday, take pill “1” that day and refer to Day 1 Start instructions below.
  • Take 1 pill every day in the order on the blister pack at the same time each day for 28 days.
  • After taking the last pill on Day 28 from the blister pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack, on the same day of the week as the first pack (Sunday). Take the first pill in the new pack whether or not you are having your period.
  • Use non-hormonal back-up contraception such as condoms and spermicide for the first 7 days of the first cycle that you take Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets.

Day 1 Start:

You will use a Day 1 Start if your doctor told you to take your first pill (Day 1) on the first day of your period.

  • Take 1 pill every day in the order of the blister pack, at the same time each day, for 28 days.
  • After taking the last pill on Day 28 from the blister pack, start taking the first pill from a new pack, on the same day of the week as the first pack. Take the first pill in the new pack whether or not you are having your period.

Instructions for using your pill pack:

Step 1.

Look at your Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets pill pack. See Figure A.

The Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets pill pack has:

  • 21 light yellow (active) pills with hormone for Week 1 through Week 3.
  • 7 brown (inactive) pills without hormones for Week 4.

Figure A

Step 2.

Find:

  • where on your pack to start taking pills
  • in what order to take your pills (follow the arrows)
  • the week numbers

Step 3.

Remove the light yellow pill by pressing the pill through the foil in the bottom of the pill pack. See Figure B. Continue taking the light yellow pills for 21 days.

Figure B

Step 4.

On the first day of Week 4 start taking the brown pills. Take the brown pill for 7 days. Your period should start during this time.

Step 5.

When you have taken all of the brown pills in your pill pack, get a new pill pack and start taking the light yellow pills.

  • For a Day 1 start:

    Begin your next pill pack on the same day of the week as your first cycle pill pack.

  • For a Sunday Start:

    Begin your next pill pack on Sunday.

What should I do if I miss any Zenchent Fe, norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, chewable and ferrous fumarate tablets pills?

If you miss 1 pill in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, follow these steps:

  • Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at your regular time. This means you may take 2 pills in 1 day.
  • Then continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pack.
  • You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you have sex.

If you miss 2 pills in Week 1 or Week 2 of your pack, follow these steps:

  • Take the 2 missed pills as soon as possible and the next 2 pills the next day.
  • Then continue to take 1 pill every day until you finish the pack.
  • Use a non-hormonal birth control method (such as a condom and spermicide) as a back-up if you have sex during the first 7 days after missing your pills.

If you miss 2 pills in a row in Week 3, or you miss 3 or more pills in a row during Weeks 1, 2, or 3 of the pack, follow these steps:

  • If you are a Day 1 Starter:

    • Throw out the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
  • If you are a Sunday Starter:

    • Keep taking 1 pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day.
  • You may not have your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period 2 months in a row, call your healthcare provider because you might be pregnant.
  • You could become pregnant if you have sex during the first 7 days after you restart your pills. You MUST use a non-hormonal birth control method (such as a condom and spermicide) as a back-up if you have sex during the first 7 days after you restart your pills.

If you have any questions or are unsure about the information in this leaflet, call your healthcare provider.

This Patient Information and Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Distributed by:

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Revised: 05-2022-03

About this document

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed · Application number: ANDA 078892 · View the label on DailyMed

Revision date stated in the text: May 2022

Found a mistake? Write to us via the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Drug information for Zenchent Fe

Rx or OTC
Prescription (Rx)?
  • This drug is available only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
  • Rx
Boxed warning Yes – this drug has a boxed warning (also called a black box warning), the strongest warning of the FDA.
Drug class Estrogen, Progestin
Active ingredients Norethindrone 0.4 mg, Ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg
Dosage form Kit
Route Oral
Marketing status listed in the FDA NDC Directory
Company (applicant) AMNEAL PHARMS
FDA approval ANDA 078892Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) – generic drug Approved September 26, 2011
Therapeutic equivalence (TE) code ABCodes starting with A mean the FDA rates the drug therapeutically equivalent to its reference drug (Orange Book).
Generics Dasetta 1/35, Dasetta 7/7/7, Necon Kit ANDA091204, Philith, Wera with the same TE code
Manufacturers 2 labelers list this drug on DailyMed
Packages (NDC)
Package
0.4 mg, 0.035 mg – 1 in 1 blister pack / 3 in 1 carton NDC 69238-1581-3

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed, data as of October 31, 2026. FDA data (DailyMed, Orange Book, Drug Shortages, enforcement reports). Not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.