Loestrin 24 Fe 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)
Loestrin 24 Fe Oral Uses
This medication is a combination of 2 hormones (an estrogen and a progestin) and is used to prevent pregnancy. It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. It also can work by making vaginal fluid thicker to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, it passes out of the body. There is a small amount of iron (ferrous fumarate) in each of the 4 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.
Use of this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).
How To Use Loestrin 24 Fe 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 with or without food, once daily or as directed by your doctor. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill 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.
