Lo Loestrin Fe 28 day (Norethindrone/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Do’s

• Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before starting Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily. 
• Choose a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day.
• Continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet in the pack, and take them in the correct order. 
• If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours after taking your tablet, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet section titled "What to Do if You Miss Tablets." Follow the instructions as if you had missed your dose because vomiting or diarrhea can stop the tablet from working.
• Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help reduce stomach upset or nausea. You may also choose to take it at another time of day that is easier for you to remember. Regardless of the dosing schedule you use, take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart.
• Your pill pack contains 26 pills with active medication (24 pills with norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol) and 2 reminder pills with iron. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 26 days in a row.
• After you have taken the last active pill, take one reminder pill (with iron) once daily for 2 days in a row unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
• You should have your period during the fourth week of the cycle. After you have taken the last reminder pill in the pack, start a new pack the next day, even if your period is continuing or if you do not have your period. If you do not get your period, consult your healthcare provider.
• If you are taking certain medications (such as cefdinir, levodopa, penicillamine, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines) that can interact with iron, ask your healthcare provider whether you should throw away the reminder pills (iron tablets) each day rather than taking them. Iron can decrease the effect of these medications.
• For first-time users of Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day who are not switching from another form of hormonal birth control, take the first tablet in the pack on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking this medication on that day. For the first cycle of use only, use a backup form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work. If you start on the first day of your period, you do not need to use backup birth control during the first week.
• If you are switching from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as a patch or other birth control pills) to Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day, ask your healthcare provider for information on how to make the switch. If any information is unclear, consult the Patient Information Leaflet or reach out to your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Do not skip any doses.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Acne

These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or become severe, contact your healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects:

• Blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Liver problems
• Gallbladder problems
• Allergic reactions

If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Other side effects may occur. If you want more detailed information about the potential side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day, consult the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist or speak with your healthcare provider.

Like other hormonal birth control methods, Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day may increase the risk of blood clots. This risk is higher in women who smoke, are over the age of 35, have a history of blood clots, or have certain medical conditions. Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before starting Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day.

Hormonal contraceptives, including Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day, may increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Women with a history of these conditions or other cardiovascular risk factors should be closely monitored.

Women with liver disease or a history of liver tumors should not use Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day. The medication may worsen liver disease or increase the risk of liver tumors.

Hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of gallbladder disease. Women with a history of gallbladder disease should discuss the potential risks with their healthcare provider.

Estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and cervical cancer. Regular breast and cervical cancer screenings are important for women using Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day.

Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day may interact with certain medications, including some antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, and HIV medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day should not be used during pregnancy. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Women who are breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider before starting Lo Loestrin Fe 28 Day.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions. For more detailed information, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist or consult with your healthcare provider.