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Home > Drug Category > Birth Control Pills > Loestrin and Equivalent

Loestrin Information

Loestrin (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol) is a combination oral contraceptive medication primarily used to prevent pregnancy. It is available in various formulations, often including active hormone-containing tablets and sometimes inert (placebo) tablets, which may contain iron (e.g., Loestrin 24 Fe, Lo Loestrin Fe). This medication works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). It also causes changes in the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, and alters the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to a fertilized egg.

Loestrin Side Effects

The most common side effects of Loestrin may include nausea, vomiting, headache, bloating, breast tenderness, swelling of the ankles/feet (due to fluid retention), and weight changes. Vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) or missed/irregular periods may also occur, especially during the first few months of use. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Blood clots: Symptoms like sudden vision changes, chest pain, pain and swelling in one leg, sudden shortness of breath, severe headache, slurred speech, or weakness/numbness in an arm or leg.
• Depression or significant mood changes.
• Gallbladder problems.
• High blood pressure.
• Liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, light-colored stools, or persistent nausea and vomiting.
• Lump in the breast.
• Migraine headaches, especially new or worsening migraines or those with aura.
• Severe allergic reactions: Rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.

Loestrin Precautions

Do not use Loestrin if you are allergic to norethindrone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, or any of its ingredients. Do not use Loestrin if you have a history of or current blood clots (in legs, lungs, eyes, or brain), heart attack or stroke, specific heart valve problems or heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes with blood vessel damage, active liver disease (including liver tumors or cancer), known or suspected breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, or migraine with focal aura. Smoking cigarettes while using oral contraceptives significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart attack, blood clots, stroke), especially in women over 35 years of age. Smoking is a Black Box Warning for Loestrin. Women who smoke and are over 35 should not use Loestrin. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins.

Loestrin can interact with several medications. Some drugs may decrease the effectiveness of Loestrin by reducing the amount of birth control hormones in your body, potentially leading to unintended pregnancy. These include certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine), some anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, topiramate), certain HIV medications, and St. John's Wort. Conversely, Loestrin may interact with the levels or effects of other medicines (e.g., lamotrigine, certain antifungals). You should not use Loestrin if you are taking any Hepatitis C virus combination drug regimens containing ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, as this can significantly increase the risk of liver enzyme elevations. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Loestrin is contraindicated during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Loestrin, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Loestrin is not recommended for use during breastfeeding, as hormones may pass into breast milk and affect the nursing infant or reduce milk production. Loestrin should not be used before the start of menstruation. For postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, Loestrin may be started no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery due to an increased risk of blood clots in the immediate postpartum period.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Loestrin is typically taken once daily at the same time each day, as directed on the blister pack. It is crucial to take the pills consistently. If you miss pills, the risk of pregnancy increases; refer to the package insert or consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions on missed doses. Use a backup method of birth control (e.g., condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days of the first cycle or if you miss pills. Loestrin can be taken with or without food. Store Loestrin at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Loestrin?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Loestrin.