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Norethindrone acetate, ethinyl estradiol and ferrous fumarate capsules or tablets are combination birth control pills that contain estrogen and progestin. This medicine keeps you from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation. Your provider may also prescribe this medication to treat acne. Common brands include Aurovela® 24 fe and Lo Loestrin® Fe.
NORETHINDRONE ACETATE; ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; FERROUS FUMARATE (nor eth IN drone AS e tate; ETH in il es tra DYE ole; FER us FUE ma rate) prevents ovulation and pregnancy. It may also be used to treat acne. It belongs to a group of medications called oral contraceptives. It is a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aurovela 24 Fe 1/20, Aurovela Fe, Blisovi 24 Fe, Blisovi Fe, Estrostep Fe, Gemmily, Gildess 24 Fe, Gildess Fe 1.5/30, Gildess Fe 1/20, Hailey 24 Fe, Hailey Fe 1.5/30, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Junel Fe 1/20, Junel Fe 24, Larin Fe, Lo Loestrin Fe, Loestrin 24 Fe, Loestrin FE 1.5/30, Loestrin FE 1/20, Lomedia 24 Fe, Merzee, Microgestin 24 Fe, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Tarina 24 Fe, Tarina Fe 1/20, Taysofy, Taytulla, Tilia Fe, Tri-Legest Fe
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medication may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medication at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Contact your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. This medication has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medication for direction. If you miss more than one pill, this medication may not be as effective, and you may need to use another form of birth control.
Do not take this medication with the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medication.
Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop taking this medication right away and contact your care team.
If you are taking this medication for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.
Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
This medication can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your care team if you feel you are retaining fluid.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.
In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medications you are taking.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking this medication before the surgery. Consult your care team for advice.
This medication does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
You’ll take two types of “active” pills containing hormones that prevent pregnancy (a blue pill and a white pill). You’ll also take a “non-active” placebo pill (a brown pill). Start taking Lo Loestrin Fe on the first day of your period. If you’re switching from a different type of birth control pill, start Lo Loestrin Fe the first day you would’ve begun a new packet of your old birth control pills.
You won’t need to use a backup form of birth control if you start taking the pills on the first day of your period. If you start Lo Loestrin Fe on a day other than Day 1 of your period, you’ll need to take a backup form of birth control, like condoms and spermicide, for seven straight days.
You don’t get periods when you’re on birth control. This is because you don’t ovulate (your ovaries don’t release an egg). As a result, you don’t need to shed the egg and uterine lining like you do during a typical menstrual cycle.
But you do have vaginal bleeding on birth control. It’s called withdrawal bleeding. The bleeding is your body’s response to the hormone levels in your pills dropping as you progress through the pack. Expect to bleed the last week of the 28-day pill cycle.
It can stop you from bleeding, especially when you first start taking it. Some people taking Lo Loestrin Fe have reported not bleeding at all or having lighter bleeding than before taking birth control. Many people taking Lo Loestrin Fe bleed for about two days.
Still, not having a period could mean you’re pregnant. It’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you may be pregnant. For example, if you’re sexually active and miss two periods in a row, or if you miss a period after forgetting to take a pill, you may need to contact your provider.
You can prevent bleeding on Lo Loestrin Fe and several other combination pills (birth control pill regimens containing progestin/estrogen) by skipping the inactive pills and only taking active pills.
This has potential downsides, though, like “breakthrough bleeding.” With breakthrough bleeding, you have unexpected bleeding or spotting (light bleeding). Also, not bleeding can make it harder to tell if you’re pregnant.
Contact your healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks of skipping the inactive pills so you don’t bleed before changing your treatment regimen with Lo Loestrin Fe or any birth control pill.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It’s a good idea to set reminders to ensure you’re taking the right birth control pills at the right time to prevent pregnancy. Missing even a single dose can increase your chances of becoming pregnant. If you have any questions about your birth control pills — including when to take them or potential benefits in addition to pregnancy prevention — ask your healthcare provider. They can advise you on the best birth control pill for you and make sure you’re confident that you’re using it correctly.
Note: Intro and FAQ sections written and reviewed by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy