Estrostep Fe-28 Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (nor-ETH-in-drone/ETH-in-ill ess-truh-DYE-ohl,/FAIR-us FEW-ma-rate)
Estrostep Fe-28 Oral Uses
This medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 hormones (norethindrone, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen). These hormones prevent pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation). They also change the womb and cervical mucus, making it more difficult for an egg to meet sperm (fertilization) or for the fertilized egg to attach to the wall of the womb (implantation). There is a small amount of iron (ferrous fumarate) in each of the 7 inactive tablets taken during the fourth week. (The inactive pills do not contain any hormones). These tablets are meant to keep you in the habit of taking 1 tablet each day and do not have enough iron to treat iron deficiency.
Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills have been shown to help make your periods more regular, decrease blood loss and painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and decrease ovarian cysts.
Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea).
How To Use Estrostep Fe-28 Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
If you are taking the chewable tablet, you may either swallow it whole or chew it thoroughly and swallow. If you chew the tablet, drink a full glass of liquid (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) immediately afterward to make sure you swallow all the medication.
Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take it at the same time each day.
It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet in the pack, and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual.
