Description

Indications 

Lo Loestrin Fe is a combined oral contraceptive prescribed for women seeking to avoid pregnancy. 

Lo Loestrin Fe contains a low dose of two distinct female hormones: ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and norethindrone acetate (progestin). These hormones’ primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting ovulation (egg release from the ovaries). Moreover, they thicken the cervical mucus to impede sperm movement toward the egg and thin the uterine lining to decrease the likelihood of successful implantation and growth of a fertilized egg. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Lo Loestrin Fe for the first time and with every prescription refill, carefully review the medication guide provided and patient information leaflet. For any queries or additional details, consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

Lo Loestrin Fe comes in packets of 28 pills to be taken once daily at consistent times each day. The pills must be taken in the order directed on the blister pack.  

Your healthcare provider might recommend beginning Lo Loestrin Fe on the initial day of your period. If you start on a different day, using a backup birth control method, such as a condom and spermicide, for the initial 7 days is advised. 

After giving birth, wait four weeks before starting Lo Loestrin Fe. If you have had an abortion or miscarriage, consult your doctor regarding the appropriate time to start this oral contraceptive. 

Ensure daily consumption of the pills until the pack is empty. Anticipate menstruation in the fourth week of the pack. Start a fresh pack immediately after consuming the final pill, regardless of whether menstruation occurs or not. Consult your doctor if your period does not occur. 

Do not skip any doses or exceed a 24-hour interval between doses. Missing pills, beginning a new pack late, or altering your usual dosing time increases the risk of pregnancy. 

In cases of missed pills, vomiting, or diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of ingestion, refer to the instructions provided in the package insert. 

Lo Loestrin Fe remains effective only with consistent use. Take it daily, even if you experience spotting, bleeding, stomach upset, or assuming a low risk of pregnancy. Refrain from discontinuing this medication without consulting your doctor. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects 

• Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods 
• Nausea 
• Breast tenderness 
• Headache 

These common side effects are typically mild and tend to resolve over time; if any of them persist or worsen, inform your doctor. 

Serious Side Effects 

• Continual leg pain 
• Abrupt shortness of breath 
• Sudden partial or complete blindness 
• Intense chest pain or pressure 
• Acute, severe headache different from usual ones 
• Arm or leg weakness, numbness, or speech difficulty 
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-listed serious side effects. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Lo Loestrin Fe can occur. Prompt medical help should be sought if any of the following symptoms manifest: 

• Skin rash 
• Itching or swelling (particularly face, tongue, or throat) 
• Severe dizziness 
• Difficulty breathing 

This list does not include all potential side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe. Inform your doctor should any unlisted effects occur. 

Cautions 

Before taking Lo Loestrin Fe, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, or any of the inactive ingredients in these pills. 

To ensure Lo Loestrin Fe is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Blood clots (e.g., in legs, eyes, lungs) 
• Blood clotting disorders (e.g., protein C or protein S deficiency) 
• High blood pressure 
• Abnormal breast exam 
• Cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer) 
• Elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels 
• Depression 
• Diabetes 
• Family or personal history of angioedema 
• Gallbladder issues 
• Severe headaches/migraines 
• Heart problems (e.g., valve disease, irregular heartbeat, prior heart attack) 
• History of jaundice during pregnancy or hormonal birth control use 
• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease (including tumors) 
• Obesity 
• Stroke 
• Swelling (edema) 
• Thyroid problems 
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding 

Certain medications might interact with Lo Loestrin Fe. To manage potential interactions, inform your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Furthermore, notify your doctor when initiating a new medication and seek guidance on the need for supplementary reliable contraception. Additionally, inform them of any instances of new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, as these could indicate a decrease in the effectiveness of your birth control. 

Certain medications and herbal products can reduce the effectiveness of birth control, such as: 

• Barbiturates 
• Bosentan 
• Carbamazepine 
• Felbamate  
• Griseofulvin 
• Oxcarbazepine 
• Phenytoin 
• Rifampin 
• St. John’s wort 
• Topiramate 

The use of Lo Loestrin Fe could affect specific lab tests (blood clotting factors and thyroid), potentially leading to inaccurate test outcomes. Ensure lab personnel and all your doctors are aware of your use of this birth control pill. 

Lo Loestrin Fe may induce skin darkening, particularly on the face. Suppose you have noticed skin color changes during pregnancy or previous oral contraceptive use; limit exposure to natural or artificial sunlight while taking this oral contraceptive. Use protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when going out. 

Do not use Lo Loestrin Fe if you are over 35 years old and a cigarette smoker. Smoking elevates the risk of severe cardiovascular side effects, including heart attack, blood clots, or stroke, associated with birth control pills. This risk amplifies with age and smoking frequency. 

Lo Loestrin Fe may impact blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Regularly monitor your blood sugar if you have diabetes and inform your doctor of any changes. Adjustments to medication, exercise, or diet may be necessary. 

Inform your doctor if you have recently undergone or are scheduled for surgery or anticipate being immobile for an extended period (e.g., during a lengthy plane journey). These circumstances heighten the likelihood of developing blood clots while on Lo Loestrin Fe. Temporarily discontinuing this medication or adopting additional preventive measures may be necessary. 

Avoid using Lo Loestrin Fe during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy, promptly inform your doctor. 

Breastfeeding individuals should consider using a different birth control method until they finish breastfeeding. Contraceptive pills containing estrogen, like Lo Loestrin Fe, could decrease milk production and transfer a small amount of hormones into breast milk, which may cause harm to the nursing infant.