Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol) is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for pregnancy prevention. As with other drugs, Lo Loestrin Fe can cause side effects, such as nausea and breast tenderness.

Lo Loestrin Fe has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section later in this article.

Lo Loestrin Fe can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Lo Loestrin Fe in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Lo Loestrin Fe. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the drug’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Lo Loestrin Fe include:

  • acne
  • bloating
  • decreased sex drive
  • period pain
  • irregular vaginal bleeding, such as spotting
  • nausea
  • breast tenderness
  • headache
  • vomiting
  • changes in weight (see “Side effect specifics” later in the article)

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Lo Loestrin Fe and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Lo Loestrin Fe may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to drug’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Lo Loestrin Fe, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may include symptoms such as:
    • pain and swelling in the affected limb or area
    • discolored skin around the affected area
  • cholestasis (a slowing or blockage of bile flow), which may include symptoms such as:
  • gallbladder problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • pain in your upper right abdomen
    • fever
  • depression, which may include symptoms such as:
    • loss of interest in hobbies or activities you usually enjoy
    • excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • hepatic adenoma, which may include symptoms such as:
    • nausea
    • abdominal pain
  • high blood sugar, which can lead to type 2 diabetes and cause symptoms such as:
    • increased thirst
    • frequent urination
  • certain skin changes
  • increased blood pressure, which can be measured but typically doesn’t cause symptoms
  • increased levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood, which can be measured with a blood test but typically don’t cause symptoms
  • risk of serious cardiovascular problems in people who smoke cigarettes (see “Side effect specifics“)

Note: People who have high blood pressure or high blood sugar may have an increased risk of serious side effects from Lo Loestrin Fe. They may also have a higher risk for worsening symptoms or complications of their condition. On the other hand, people who don’t already have high blood pressure may experience only a minor or no increase in blood pressure with Lo Loestrin Fe.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Lo Loestrin Fe can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies but can still occur.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lo Loestrin Fe, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Lo Loestrin Fe may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Are Lo Loestrin Fe side effects more likely in the first month?

Yes, certain side effects are more likely during the first few months of taking Lo Loestrin Fe.

Specifically, irregular vaginal bleeding and amenorrhea (no monthly period) are more likely during your first 3 months of taking Lo Loestrin Fe. See “Mild side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe” above for a list of other possible side effects.

It’s important to note that irregular bleeding can be a sign of pregnancy, so let your doctor know right away if this effect doesn’t go away.

Can Lo Loestrin Fe cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible, although very rare. Most side effects caused by Lo Loestrin Fe are temporary. They’ll go away on their own within the first couple of weeks of starting it. The majority of people who take Lo Loestrin Fe don’t develop long-term side effects.

Very rarely, blood clots can occur as a side effect of Lo Loestrin Fe. The risk is highest during the first year of treatment. However, it can happen at any time — even if you’ve taken Lo Loestrin Fe for a long time. The risk of blood clots gradually goes away if you stop taking Lo Loestrin Fe.

Increased blood pressure is another rare but possible side effect Lo Loestrin Fe may cause. This risk appears to be higher in people over 35 years old who take Lo Loestrin Fe long term.

Lo Loestrin Fe has a boxed warning about the risk of serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems in people who smoke cigarettes. These problems can cause long-term complications. To learn more, see “Side effect specifics.”

If you have questions about long-term side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read this article about long-term effects of birth control.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Lo Loestrin Fe may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Lo Loestrin Fe.

Risk of serious cardiovascular problems in people who smoke cigarettes

Lo Loestrin Fe has a boxed warning about the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in people who smoke cigarettes. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

People over age 35 years who smoke cigarettes have a significantly higher risk of serious cardiovascular problems as a side effect from taking a combined oral contraceptive (COC), such as Lo Loestrin Fe. These problems include:

Due to this risk, people over age 35 years who smoke should not take Lo Loestrin Fe or other COCs.

Symptoms of a DVT (blood clot in the legs) can include:

  • pain or swelling in the affected limb, typically beginning in the calf
  • discolored skin at or around the affected area

Symptoms of a PE (blood clot in the lungs) can include:

This article lists common symptoms of a heart attack you should be aware of, including chest pain. You can read this article to learn more about possible signs of a stroke, such as numbness or weakness on one side of your body.

What you can do

If you are over age 35 years and smoke cigarettes, talk with your doctor about other birth control methods besides COCs. Your doctor can recommend alternatives that are safer for you.

Changes in weight

Weight gain is a possible side effect Lo Loestrin Fe is listed in the drug’s clinical trials. From these trials, the amount of weight gained isn’t clear. Also there is no information on the timeline for weight gain, such as whether it was more common when starting treatment.

It’s also important to note that, in addition to weight gain, some people in the trials reported fluctuating weight during treatment. This can include weight loss and temporary weight gain or loss related to stages of your menstrual cycle.

What you can do

Let your doctor know if you’re concerned or have questions about weight changes during treatment with Lo Loestrin Fe. They can review strategies for maintaining a weight that’s right for you.

If Lo Loestrin Fe appears to cause significant weight gain, talk with your doctor. They can review other birth control methods you may consider trying. Your doctor can explain how to stop Lo Loestrin Fe and start the other birth control method.

To learn more about birth control and weight gain, you can refer to this article.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Lo Loestrin Fe.

Lo Loestrin Fe has a boxed warning about the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in people who smoke cigarettes. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, especially if you’re over age 35 years. For details, see the previous “Side effect specifics” section.

Other precautions

Before taking Lo Loestrin Fe, discuss your health history with your doctor. Lo Loestrin Fe may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

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.