Lo Loestrin Fe is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed to help prevent pregnancy. Lo Loestrin Fe contains the active drugs norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. It also contains a form of iron called ferrous fumarate.

Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved to help prevent pregnancy in certain females of any age who can become pregnant.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Lo Loestrin Fe below.

  • Drug class: Hormonal birth control pill (specifically, a type of birth control called a combination oral contraceptive)
  • Drug form: 28 oral tablets in a blister pack
  • Generic available? No
  • Prescription required? Yes
  • Controlled substance? No
  • Year of FDA approval: 1968

Lo Loestrin Fe is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Lo Loestrin Fe contains the active ingredients norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. It also contains a form of iron called ferrous fumarate. This ingredient has no effect on Lo Loestrin Fe effectiveness.

Lo Loestrin Fe can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Lo Loestrin Fe. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Lo Loestrin Fe, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Lo Loestrin Fe’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Lo Loestrin Fe, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Lo Loestrin Fe aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Blood clots. Symptoms can include:
    • pain, swelling, or warmth in a leg or arm
    • shortness of breath
    • chest pain
    • trouble speaking
    • trouble moving one side of your body
  • Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). Symptoms can include:
    • severe pain in your abdomen
    • severe pain between your shoulder blades or in your right shoulder
    • nausea or vomiting
  • High blood pressure typically doesn’t cause symptoms, but symptoms of very high blood pressure can include:
    • headache
    • nausea or vomiting
    • chest or back pain
  • Increased levels of sugar or fat in your blood typically don’t cause symptoms but they may be noticed in routine blood tests.
  • Risk of serious cardiovascular problems in certain females* who smoke.†
  • Severe allergic reaction.‡

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
† Lo Loestrin Fe has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe precautions” section below.
‡ For details about allergic reaction and Lo Loestrin Fe, see “Allergic reaction” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Lo Loestrin Fe. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of this drug but can still occur.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Lo Loestrin Fe, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Lo Loestrin Fe.

Will I not have a period while taking Lo Loestrin Fe?

You should expect to still have a period while taking Lo Loestrin Fe. But you may skip a period, especially if you miss multiple doses and need to start a new pack of pills. (For details about what to do in case of missed doses, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe dosage” section below.)

If you miss a period while taking Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor as you may be pregnant. They may order a pregnancy test for you or check for other causes of a missed period.

Lo Loestrin Fe may cause other changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods. These side effects typically go away after the first 3 months of continued use. Also, your periods may be lighter or shorter than usual while you’re taking Lo Loestrin Fe.

If you have additional questions about your menstrual cycle while taking Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Lo Loestrin Fe be used for a hormonal imbalance or acne?

Possibly, but hormonal imbalances and acne aren’t uses approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug is FDA-approved only to help prevent pregnancy. (Lo Loestrin Fe is a birth control pill.)

In some cases, doctors may prescribe Lo Loestrin Fe off-label for a hormonal imbalance or acne. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

If you’re interested in taking Lo Loestrin Fe for a hormonal imbalance or acne, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are weight gain, breast growth, hair loss, and insomnia side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe?

Weight changes are possible with Lo Loestrin Fe, but breast growth, hair loss, and insomnia aren’t likely to occur.

In Lo Loestrin Fe’s clinical trials, common side effects included changes in weight. These changes may include weight loss or gain throughout your menstrual cycle.

Breast growth, hair loss, and insomnia weren’t reported as side effects in the drug’s clinical trials.

Keep in mind that it’s natural to experience slight changes in breast fullness throughout your menstrual cycle. However, these changes may occur with or without the use of Lo Loestrin Fe (or a different birth control pill).

If you have questions or concerns about side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the “Lo Loestrin Fe side effects” section above.

Does Lo Loestrin Fe cause long-term side effects?

Lo Loestrin Fe shouldn’t cause long-term side effects. And if you develop side effects while you’re taking the drug, your symptoms should go away soon after you stop taking it.

However, Lo Loestrin Fe can cause serious cardiovascular problems, such as a heart attack and stroke. And these problems can affect your health long term even after you’ve stopped taking the drug. Lo Loestrin Fe has a boxed warning* for the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in females† ages 35 years and older who smoke.

If you have questions about Lo Loestrin Fe’s long-term side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the “Lo Loestrin Fe side effects” section above.

* A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. For details about this boxed warning, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe precautions” section below.
† Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

If I stop taking Lo Loestrin Fe, will I experience certain side effects?

If you stop taking Lo Loestrin Fe, you may experience breakthrough bleeding, such as spotting. These effects are temporary. Serious side effects aren’t likely after you stop taking Lo Loestrin Fe.

However, stopping the use of Lo Loestrin Fe should cause your regular menstrual cycle to return. This includes ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). And some people notice symptoms during ovulation, such as menstrual cramps or vaginal discharge.

Also, after you stop taking Lo Loestrin Fe, you may become pregnant if you have sex and don’t use another form of birth control. If you don’t want to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before you stop taking Lo Loestrin Fe. They can advise you on other types of birth control.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Lo Loestrin Fe to treat certain conditions. Lo Loestrin Fe may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved to help prevent pregnancy in females* of any age who can become pregnant.

It isn’t known whether Lo Loestrin Fe is as effective in females with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more. (BMI is a measure of a person’s body size based on weight and height.) This is because females with this BMI weren’t included in Lo Loestrin Fe’s clinical trials. If your BMI is 35 or higher, talk with your doctor. They can explain forms of birth control that may be more effective for you.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Effectiveness for preventing pregnancy

In clinical trials, Lo Loestrin Fe was shown to be effective at helping prevent pregnancy. To learn more about how the drug performed in these trials, see Lo Loestrin Fe’s prescribing information.

However, keep in mind that certain factors can decrease the effectiveness of Lo Loestrin Fe. Examples include missed doses or needing to take drugs, such as certain antibiotics, which reduce the effects of Lo Loestrin Fe.*

For more information about birth control options, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit our hub for sexual health.

* To learn more about missed doses, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe dosage” section below. To learn more about the drug’s interactions, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe interactions” section below.

Lo Loestrin Fe and children

Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved to help prevent pregnancy in females* who can become pregnant. This includes females younger than age 18 years who have begun menstruation.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

This section describes the typical dosage of Lo Loestrin Fe.

Drug forms and strengths

The drug comes in a blister pack that contains 28 oral tablets. The strengths and ingredients in each pack are as follows:

  • 24 blue tablets containing:
    • 1 milligram (mg) of norethindrone acetate (a type of hormone called a progestin) and
    • 10 micrograms (mcg) of ethinyl estradiol (a type of hormone called an estrogen)
  • 2 white tablets containing:
    • 10 mcg of ethinyl estradiol
  • 2 brown tablets containing:
    • 75 mg of ferrous fumarate (a form of iron)

Dosage for preventing pregnancy

The recommended dosage of Lo Loestrin Fe is one tablet per day, taken at the same time every day. You should take the tablets in order as described in the package labeling.

Your doctor will explain when to take your first dose of Lo Loestrin Fe. Most commonly, you start taking the drug on the first day of your menstrual cycle. This is the day you get your period. However, your doctor may give you a different start date. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Lo Loestrin Fe.

Children’s dosage

Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved for use in females* who can become pregnant. This includes females younger than age 18 years.

The recommended dosage of Lo Loestrin Fe is one tablet per day, taken at the same time every day. You should take the tablets in order as described in the package labeling.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

What if I miss a dose?

Missed doses of Lo Loestrin Fe can make the drug less effective in helping prevent pregnancy. If you miss a dose, you may need to use an additional form of birth control temporarily.

To determine whether you need to use a backup form of birth control, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend a form that’s best for your situation.

Below are instructions for what to do if you miss a dose of Lo Loestrin Fe.

If you miss one blue tablet

With this scenario, the recommendation is to:

  1. Take the missed tablet as soon as you can. In this situation, you can take two tablets in 1 day.
  2. Take one tablet per day until you finish the pack.

You shouldn’t need to use a backup form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy.

If you miss two blue tablets in a row during week 1 or 2

Weeks 1 and 2 refer to the first and second weeks of treatment with Lo Loestrin Fe.

With this scenario, the recommendation is to:

  1. Take the two missed tablets as soon as you can.
  2. The following day, take the next two tablets.
  3. The following day, take one tablet per day until you finish the pack.

Be sure to use a hormone-free form of birth control (such as condoms) during the missed dose. Continue with this for at least 7 days after taking your missed tablets. Lo Loestrin Fe is a hormonal form of birth control.

If you miss two (blue or white) tablets in a row in weeks 3 or 4

Weeks 3 and 4 refer to the third and fourth weeks of treatment with Lo Loestrin Fe.

With this scenario, the recommendation is to discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack the same day. You may not have a period this month.

Be sure to use a hormone-free form of birth control (such as condoms) for at least the next 7 days.

If you miss three or more tablets in a row in any week

With this scenario, the recommendation is to discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack the same day. You may not have a period this month.

Be sure to use a hormone-free backup birth control method (such as condoms) for at least the next 7 days.

If you miss one or both brown tablets in week 4

With this scenario, the recommendation is to discard the brown tablet (or tablets) you missed. Then, start a new pack on the usual day. This is the day you’re already scheduled to start a new pack. There’s no need for backup birth control if you miss one or both brown tablets. (The brown tablets are the ones that contain iron.)

Note: If you’re unsure of what to do in case of a missed dose or doses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And to help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Lo Loestrin Fe is meant to be used as a long-term form of birth control. If you and your doctor determine that Lo Loestrin Fe is safe and effective for you, you can take it for as long as you’d like to help prevent pregnancy.

If you’d like to know how long to take Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor.

Other drugs and devices are available that can help prevent pregnancy. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other birth control options that may work well for you.

Alternatives for preventing pregnancy

Examples of other drugs that may be used to help prevent pregnancy include:

  • other hormonal birth control pills, including:
    • other combination oral contraceptives (COCs),* such as:
      • ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate/ferrous fumarate (Junel Fe, Hailey Fe, which are generic versions of Loestrin Fe†)
      • ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate (Sprintec)
      • drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yaz, Yasmin)
  • birth control patches, such as:
    • levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol transdermal patch (Twirla)
    • ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin (Xulane)
  • hormonal vaginal ring, such as:
    • etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (NuvaRing)
  • birth control gel citric acid/lactic acid/potassium bitartrate (Phexxi)
  • birth control injection medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)
  • birth control implant, such as etonogestrel (Nexplanon)
  • intrauterine devices (IUDs), such as:

If you’re interested in trying an alternative to Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor.

* COCs contain the hormones estrogen and progestin as active ingredients. Also, some COCs contain ferrous fumarate (a form of iron) and some don’t.
† Loestrin Fe is a brand-name drug that has been discontinued.

As with all medications, the cost of Lo Loestrin Fe can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 3-month supply of Lo Loestrin Fe. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 3-month supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Lo Loestrin Fe, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Lo Loestrin Fe, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Lo Loestrin Fe, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A savings program is available for Lo Loestrin Fe. For more information and to determine whether you’re eligible for support, call 855-439-2817 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Lo Loestrin Fe may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 3-month supply of Lo Loestrin Fe, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Lo Loestrin Fe is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

You should take Lo Loestrin Fe according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

Lo Loestrin Fe comes as an oral tablet that you’ll swallow. The tablets are in a blister pack. Each blister pack contains a 4-week supply of tablets. You should take the tablets in order as shown in the package labeling.

When to take

You’ll take Lo Loestrin Fe once per day. There isn’t a specific time of day that’s best for this medication. However, be sure to take the drug around the same time each day. This helps Lo Loestrin Fe work effectively.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or a timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app.

Accessible labels and containers

Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

Taking Lo Loestrin Fe with food

You can take Lo Loestrin Fe with food or without it.

Can Lo Loestrin Fe be crushed, split, or chewed?

The manufacturer of Lo Loestrin Fe hasn’t provided guidance on whether the tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may offer advice or recommend a different form of birth control for you. You can also read these tips for swallowing pills.

Although it’s safe to take Lo Loestrin Fe while breastfeeding, doctors typically don’t recommend doing so. This is because taking the drug while breastfeeding could reduce your amount of breast milk.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed your child, talk with your doctor before you start taking Lo Loestrin Fe. They can weigh the risks and benefits of taking Lo Loestrin Fe while breastfeeding. They can also recommend other birth control options. Together you can choose the best option for you during this time.

Lo Loestrin Fe is a birth control pill. It’s used to help prevent pregnancy. The drug isn’t meant to be taken during pregnancy.

However, keep in mind that no birth control is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you’re sexually active, it’s possible to become pregnant while taking Lo Loestrin Fe. Also, certain factors can decrease its effectiveness. Examples include missed doses or certain drug interactions.*

If you become pregnant† (or think you are) while you’re taking Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor. If you’re pregnant, they’ll have you stop taking the drug. However, clinical trials haven’t shown any harmful effects in infants who were exposed to Lo Loestrin Fe during pregnancy.

If you have questions about Lo Loestrin Fe and pregnancy, talk with your doctor.

* To learn more about missed doses, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe dosage” section above. To learn about the drug’s interactions, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe interactions” section below.
† Some symptoms of pregnancy include a missed period, nausea, and tender breasts.

Lo Loestrin Fe and fertility

Lo Loestrin Fe is used to help prevent pregnancy, but only while you’re taking it. The drug doesn’t affect your future fertility (ability to become pregnant). After you stop taking Lo Loestrin Fe, your fertility should soon return to what it was before you started taking it.

If you have questions about your fertility, talk with your doctor.

Lo Loestrin Fe is a hormonal birth control pill. It’s used to help prevent pregnancy.

In certain situations, additional birth control such as condoms may be necessary to help prevent pregnancy. Situations may include the following:

Also, keep in mind that Lo Loestrin Fe doesn’t protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For information on helping prevent STIs, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have questions about your birth control needs, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the form or forms of birth control that are right for you.

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Lo Loestrin Fe.

If you drink alcohol and have questions about your consumption while taking Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor.

Lo Loestrin Fe can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe precautions” section below.

Lo Loestrin Fe and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Lo Loestrin Fe. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Lo Loestrin Fe.

Before taking Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

CYP3A4 inducers. Drugs called CYP3A4 inducers are used to treat a number of conditions, such as migraine and epilepsy. Taking Lo Loestrin Fe with a CYP3A4 inducer may make Lo Loestrin Fe less effective at helping prevent pregnancy. You may also have an increased risk of side effects from Lo Loestrin Fe, such as irregular vaginal bleeding.

Examples of CYP3A4 inducers include:

Certain HIV medications. Taking Lo Loestrin Fe with certain HIV medications can make Lo Loestrin Fe less effective at helping prevent pregnancy. You may also have an increased risk of side effects from changes in hormone levels in your body. These can include acne or breast tenderness. The drug interaction involves the following HIV medications:

Certain hepatitis C combination therapies. Certain hepatitis C virus (HCV) drugs may affect liver function if taken at the same time as Lo Loestrin Fe. The drug interaction involves the following HCV combination therapies:

  • ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with dasabuvir (Viekira Pak)
  • ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir without dasabuvir

Antibiotics. It’s been reported that certain antibiotics might reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, such as Lo Loestrin Fe. Examples of antibiotics include:

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Lo Loestrin Fe and herbs and supplements

St. John’s wort is an herb that can decrease the effectiveness of Lo Loestrin Fe. St. John’s wort is sometimes taken to ease symptoms of depression.

Other herbs or supplements could interact with this drug. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Lo Loestrin Fe.

Lo Loestrin Fe and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Lo Loestrin Fe. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor.

Lo Loestrin Fe is prescribed to help prevent pregnancy in certain females.*

Specifically, Lo Loestrin Fe is a type of birth control called a combination oral contraceptive (COC). COCs contain the hormones estrogen and progestin as active ingredients.

Estrogen and progestin are also naturally found in the body. They’re responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and phases of pregnancy.

Birth control pills, including Lo Loestrin Fe, are used to regulate the amount of certain hormones. In turn, this regulates your menstrual cycle and stops ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary).

If an egg is not present, fertilization and pregnancy won’t occur.

Lo Loestrin Fe also contains ferrous fumarate in two of the tablets.† Ferrous fumarate is a form of iron. It’s not an active ingredient. When you have your period, you lose iron through menstrual blood. The iron in Lo Loestrin Fe helps replace what you lose.

For more information on how Lo Loestrin Fe works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
† Lo Loestrin Fe comes in blister packs of 28 oral tablets, which is a 4-week supply. To learn more, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe dosage” section above.

How long does it take to work?

If you start taking Lo Loestrin Fe on the first day of your menstrual cycle,* the drug starts working the first month of use.

However, Lo Loestrin Fe may take 7 days to become effective at preventing pregnancy in certain situations. One example is if you start taking Lo Loestrin Fe on a day other than the first day of your menstrual cycle. In this case, you should use an additional birth control method (such as a condom) for the first week of Lo Loestrin Fe treatment. To learn more, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe dosage” section above.

* The first day of your menstrual cycle is the day you get your period.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

FDA warning: Risk of serious cardiovascular problems in certain females who smoke

This drug has a boxed warning. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of serious cardiovascular problems in certain females who smoke. Smoking while taking hormonal birth control, including Lo Loestrin Fe, increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Examples of these events include a stroke and heart attack. This risk increases further with a person’s age and how much the person smokes.

Because of this risk, doctors typically don’t prescribe Lo Loestrin Fe to females ages 35 years and older who smoke.

If you smoke and want to prevent pregnancy, talk with your doctor. They can recommend a birth control method that’s safe for you. Your doctor or pharmacist can also help you quit smoking.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Other precautions

Before taking Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor about your health history. Lo Loestrin Fe may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include the conditions described below.

Blood clots. If you have an increased risk of developing blood clots, Lo Loestrin Fe use may further increase your risk. You may have a higher risk of blood clots if you:

  • are age 35 years or older and you smoke*
  • have had a blood clot
  • have had a heart attack or stroke
  • will not be able to move around well for a while, such as after a surgery
  • gave birth in the last 4 weeks
  • have certain heart problems, such as heart valve issues, that raise the risk of blood clots
  • have a condition that affects blood clotting

If you have an increased risk of blood clots, your doctor may recommend a different form of birth control.

Hormone-sensitive cancer. Some cancers become more active in the presence of certain hormones. (Breast cancer is an example of a cancer that can be sensitive to hormones.) This includes the hormones in Lo Loestrin Fe. If you’ve had or currently have cancer that’s sensitive to hormones, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a form of birth control that doesn’t contain hormones.

High blood pressure. This condition can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, such as a stroke. And the drugs in Lo Loestrin Fe can potentially increase blood pressure. If you currently have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before taking Lo Loestrin Fe. They may recommend a different birth control option or closely monitor your blood pressure.

Depression. Lo Loestrin Fe may cause or worsen depression. If you have depression, tell your doctor. If they prescribe Lo Loestrin Fe, they may monitor you closely for symptoms of depression.

Liver disease. If you have liver disease, such as hepatitis or severe cirrhosis, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Lo Loestrin Fe. The liver breaks down certain drugs, including those in Lo Loestrin Fe. And liver disease decreases liver function.

Lower liver function than usual means drugs can build up in your body. So if you have liver problems, Lo Loestrin Fe’s hormone levels may get too high. This can increase your risk of side effects. (For more information, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe side effects” section above.) Your doctor can recommend other birth control options that may be safer for you.

Gallbladder disease. Lo Loestrin Fe may worsen gallbladder problems. If you have had or have gallbladder disease, talk with your doctor. They’ll help weigh the risks and benefits of Lo Loestrin Fe with your condition. They can also recommend a birth control option that’s right for you.

Diabetes. Lo Loestrin Fe can increase the level of sugar in your blood. So if you have diabetes, Lo Loestrin Fe could make it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels. And high blood sugar levels may increase the risk of serious diabetes complications, such as nerve damage. Depending on your situation, your doctor may prescribe a different type of birth control.

High cholesterol or high triglycerides. Lo Loestrin Fe can raise the levels of these fats in your blood. If you have high cholesterol or high triglycerides, Lo Loestrin Fe could increase them further. In turn, this may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, such as a stroke. Your doctor may recommend a different birth control option for you. They can also recommend ways to manage your cholesterol level.

Headaches. A common side effect of Lo Loestrin Fe is headaches. However, if you experience new headaches that don’t go away or continue to be bothersome, talk with your doctor. This may be a sign of more serious issues, such as blood clotting. In this case, your doctor may have you stop treatment with Lo Loestrin Fe. They can also recommend a different form of birth control if needed.

Allergic reaction. If you have had an allergic reaction to Lo Loestrin Fe or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it. Ask your doctor about other forms of birth control that may be better options for you.

Pregnancy. Lo Loestrin Fe is used to help prevent pregnancy. It’s not meant to be taken during pregnancy. However, the drug shouldn’t cause harm if you’re taking it when you become pregnant. To learn more, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe and pregnancy” section above.

Breastfeeding. Taking Lo Loestrin Fe while breastfeeding could reduce your amount of breast milk. To learn more, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Lo Loestrin Fe, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe side effects” section above.

* Lo Loestrin Fe has a boxed warning for this risk. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see “FDA warning: Risk of serious cardiovascular problems in certain females who smoke” at the top of this section.

No serious side effects have been reported in association with an overdose of Lo Loestrin Fe. However, you should not take more than the recommended dose. For details, see the “Lo Loestrin Fe dosage” section above.

Overdose symptoms

Mild symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Lo Loestrin Fe from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the packaging. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Lo Loestrin Fe should be stored at a room temperature of 77°F (25°C). You may briefly store the drug at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), such as while traveling with the drug. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Lo Loestrin Fe and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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