Loestrin 24 Fe

What is Loestrin 24-Fe?

Loestrin (ethinyl esteradiol with norethindrone, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous sulphate) is a combination of female hormones that prevents ovulation. This medication can also cause changes to your cervical mucus or uterine lining. These changes make it more difficult for sperm and fertilised eggs to reach the uterus.Loestrin 24 Fe can be used to prevent pregnancy.Loestrin 24 Fe can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Warnings

Loestrin is not recommended for women who are pregnant or have just had a child. Loestrin is not recommended for people with uncontrolled high blood tension, heart disease, blood-clotting disorders, circulation problems, diabetes, problems with the eyes or kidneys or unusual vaginal blood flow, liver cancer or disease, severe headaches or migraines, severe migraines or smoking, severe migraines or cancer of the liver, severe migraines or breast or uterine, or jaundice from birth control pills.If you miss a dosage or are just starting to use Loestrin, you may want to consider using a backup birth control method, like a condom or spermicide. Please follow your doctor's advice.You are more likely to become pregnant if you forget to take a pill.. If you forget to take the Loestrin tablets, carefully follow the instructions for "missed dosage".Loestrin 24 Fe can be less effective at preventing pregnancy when taken with certain drugs, such as antibiotics, hepatitis C medication, HIV/AIDS medication, seizure medications, or barbiturate sedatives. Tell your doctor about all medications that you take.

Before you take this drug

Loestrin can cause birth defects. Use this product only if you're not pregnant. Do not use it if pregnant. Wait at least four weeks after having a baby before you take Loestrin. Loestrin is not recommended if:

• Untreated or uncontrolled hypertension;
• Heart disease (coronary arterial disease, uncontrolled heart-valve disorder, history of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot);
• A blood-clotting disorder or circulation problems;
• Diabetes can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys, and circulation.
• Breast or uterine cancer, which is hormone-related.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding not checked by a physician;
• Liver disease or liver cancer
• Severe migraine headaches, especially if older than 35.
• Jaundice due to pregnancy or birth control pills
• If you are older than 35 and smoke, then this is for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have had in the past.

• High blood pressure and varicose veins
• If you have high triglycerides or cholesterol or are overweight,
• A history of depression
• Underactive thyroid gland
• Gallbladder disease
• Diabetes;
• Seizures or epilepsy;
• A history of irregular periods;
• Tuberculosis
• A mammogram with abnormalities, lumps, or nodules may indicate fibrocystic disease.

The hormones found in Loestrin Fe (ethinyl esteradiol and norrethindrone) can be passed into breast milk and could harm a baby who is nursing. This medication can also reduce breast milk production. Loestrin Fe should not be used if you are breastfeeding a child.

How to take Loestrin 24-Fe?

Loestrin 24-Fe should only be taken as directed by your doctor. Take Loestrin 24 Fe only as prescribed by your doctor. You should follow the instructions on your prescription label.Your first pill will be taken on the day your period starts or the first Sunday following the start of your cycle. When you start taking Loestrin, you may need to use a backup birth control method, such as spermicide or condoms. You should follow your doctor's advice.One pill per day is recommended, but no more than one every 24 hours. Start a new package the next day when the pills are finished. If you don't take one pill every day, you may become pregnant. Refill your prescription before you run out.This 28-day birth control package contains four ferrous fumarate "reminder pills" to help you maintain your regular cycle. Usually, your period will begin when you use these reminder pills.During the first three months, you may experience bleeding. If the bleeding persists or becomes very heavy, tell your doctor.If you have severe diarrhoea or vomiting, use backup birth control.You may have to temporarily stop using Loestrin if you are going to be undergoing major surgery, or you'll need bed rest. You should let any doctor or surgeon who treats you know that you use Loestrin.You will need to see your doctor regularly while taking Loestrin 24-Fe.Loestrin Fe 24 Fe should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Please read the instructions that come with your medication. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you do not understand. You are more likely to become pregnant if you miss a pill.Take two pills the next day if you forget to take one. Take one pill a day for the remainder of the pack.If you missed two active pills consecutively in Weeks 1 or 2, then take two pills a day for the next two days. Take one pill a day for the remainder of the package. After missing a pill, use a backup birth control method for at least seven days.If you missed two active pills consecutively in Week 3 or if three pills were missed in a single week during the first three weeks, you should throw the remaining pills out and begin a new package the next day if your Day 1 starts. If you started on Sunday, continue taking one pill each day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the remainder of the package and begin a new one.If you miss three active pills consecutively during the first three weeks, you can throw away the remainder of the pack. You should start a brand new pack the next day if you started on Day 1. If you started on Sunday, continue taking one pill each day until Sunday. On Sunday, discard the remainder of the package and begin a new one.You may not get a period if you miss more than two pills. If you miss two consecutive periods, call your doctor. You might be pregnant.If you forget to take one of the four brown reminder pills per day, just throw it out and continue taking one reminder pill each day until the entire pack is gone. If you miss the reminder pill, there is no need for backup birth control.

What happens if I overdose?

Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal blood.

What should be avoided?

Smoking increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots caused by Loestrin 24 Fe, particularly if you're older than 35.Loestrin Fe does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. The only way to prevent these diseases is by using a condom.

Side effects of Loestrin 24 Fe

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling in your throat.

If you experience a serious adverse reaction, such as:

• The sudden sensation of weakness or numbness on one side.
• A sudden, severe headache, confusion, or problems with speech, vision, or balance
• Chest pain or a heavy feeling; pain that spreads to the shoulder or arm; nausea, sweating, or a general feeling of ill health;
• Sudden coughing, wheezing, and rapid breathing
• One or both legs may be affected by swelling, heat, pain, or redness.
• A change in the frequency or intensity of migraine headaches
• Dark urine, clay-coloured stools, nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite
• You may experience swelling of your ankles, feet, or hands.
• A breast lump,
• Symptoms of depression include sleep problems, fatigue, and mood changes.

Loestrin side effects that are less serious include:

• Mild nausea, especially when taking the medicine for the first time, vomiting, bloating, and stomach cramps
• Breast tenderness, swelling, or discharge.
• Hair growth on the scalp or hair loss.
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Contact lenses: problems with contact lenses
• Vaginal itching and discharge are conditions that can occur.
• Changes in your menstrual cycle, decreased sexual drive

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Loestrin can be affected by certain drugs, resulting in pregnancy. Tell your doctor before using Loestrin 24 Fe if you use any of these drugs.

• Bosentan (Tracleer)
• An antibiotic or tuberculosis medicine;
• Drugs to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital, Solfoton, and others
• John's Wort,
• Seizure medications.

You should tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, such as:

• Dantrolene (Dantrium);
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal);
• Tizanidine (Zanaflex);
• Tranexamic Acid (Cyklokapron and Lysteda)

Loestrin Fe may interact with other drugs not listed here. Tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamin, and vitamin products. Never start a new medicine without consulting your doctor.