Why is Loestrin prescribed?

Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol (Loestrin) is an oral contraceptive prescribed to prevent pregnancy from occurring. It is a common method of birth control however it does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

What does it do?

Norethindrone is classified as a progestin and Ethinyl estradiol is classified as an estrogen. Both Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol are female sex hormones that prevents pregnancy from occurring by preventing the release of an egg from an ovary (ovulation).

Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol can also cause alteration of the uterine lining and cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

How should I take it?

Loestrin is available in 1mg/20mcg and 1.5mg/30mcg tablets in 63 pill packs for 84 days supply. It is intended for oral administration.

Take Loestrin exactly as your doctor instructed and do not make alterations in the dosage or frequency. You may take it with food or milk to prevent nausea.

When taking the tablets, start with the first tablet in the pack and follow the correct order in taking them. When the tablets run out, start a new pack on the next day. If you miss a dose or start a new pack late, this may increase your chances of getting pregnant.

If you have diarrhea or vomiting while taking the tablets, this may decrease the effect of the medication. You may need to use a different method of birth control. Consult your doctor regarding other methods of birth control and how long you may need to use them.

Take Loestrin regularly to ensure its effectiveness. Continue to take it every day and tell your doctor before you stop taking it. Consult your doctor for any concerns you may have when taking Loestrin.

What if I missed a dose?

Taking the dose properly at the scheduled time is needed to attain the desired effect of the drug. If you miss a dose, you may need to use a different method of birth control.

If you miss one active tablet, take it as soon as you remember then take the next tablet at your regular schedule.

If you miss two consecutive active tablets in week 1 or week 2, take the two tablets you missed as soon as you remember and take the next two active tablets on the following day.

What are the special precautions before taking Loestrin?

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Norethindrone, Ethinyl estradiol, any estrogens or progestins, any component of Loestrin, or any other medications.

Inform your doctor if you have or ever had high blood pressure that is not treated or controlled, heart diseases (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots), blood clotting problems, eye, kidney, or circulation problems due to diabetes, cancer (breast or uterine), abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked, liver problems, severe migraines, yellowing of the skin or eyes caused by pregnancy or birth control pills. Also, inform your doctor if you are a smoker. Taking norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol may not be suitable for you in these cases and should be discussed with your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you have or have had high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides, depression, thyroid problems, gallbladder disease, diabetes, seizures or epilepsy, irregular menstrual periods, tuberculosis, or if you are overweight.

Tell your doctor if you will be having any surgeries or if you will need to stay in a bed or chair for prolonged periods (such as long flights). These situations may increase your risk of developing blood clots.

Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol can cause dark areas to appear on your skin. Exposure to sunlight may make this more noticeable. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and tanning booths. Wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and use sunglasses when going outdoors.

For the drug label information of Loestrin, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects may include:
• Acne
• Brown or black patches on the skin
• Changes in menstrual flow
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Hair growth
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vaginal discharge (whitish)
• Vomiting
• Weight gain or loss

Serious side effects may include:
• Confusion
• Coughing up blood
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Leg pain
• Problems in speech
• Rashes
• Severe headache
• Severe vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or legs
• Unusual or heavy menstrual bleeding
• Vision problems
• Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg

Is it safe to take it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause serious or life-threatening reactions when administered together. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Loestrin with any of the following medications:

• Acetaminophen
• Amprenavir
• Anastrazole
• Aromasin
• Bexarotene
• Boceprevir
• Bystolic
• Cardizem
• Carfilzomib
• Dantrolene
• Diamox
• Dilantin
• Dihydrotachysterol
• Dilantin
• Epinephrine
• Eplerenone
• Etretinate
• Felbamate
• Flagyl
• Griseofulvin
• Keppra
• Lamictal
• Lasix
• Lidocaine
• Loperamide
• Lovenox
• Modafinil
• Morphine
• Mysoline
• Naloxone
• Nevirapine
• Nolvadex
• Normodyne
• Osphena
• Paritaprevir
• Ritonavir
• St. John’s wort
• Singulair
• Soriatane
• Tegretol
• Thalidomide
• Topamax
• Tranexamic acid
• Zanaflex

Tell your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent interactions with these medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Loestrin at room temperature (25 °C) in a clean environment away from light and moisture as well as from children and pets. Do not keep it in the bathroom. Always keep it in the container it came in and keep it tightly closed. Throw away unused or expired medications. Do not flush it in the toilet or down the sink.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

Some symptoms of overdose may include the following:

In the event of an overdose, inform your doctor and seek immediate medical attention.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol are contraindicated in pregnancy. It should not be taken when pregnancy is confirmed. According to the US FDA, Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol are categorized as Pregnancy Category X and studies show that it can cause harm to the fetus.

Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol are excreted into human milk and cause harmful effects to the breastfeeding infant. Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol can also decrease breast milk production and it is not recommended to take it when breastfeeding.

The use of Norethindrone and Ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women and the risks outweigh the potential benefits.

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