II. Preparations (Norethindrone Acetate / Ethinyl Estradiol)

  1. Loestrin 1/20
  2. Loestrin 20 (UK)
  3. Microgestin 1/20
  4. Junel 1/20
  5. Lo Loestrin Fe or Lo Minastrin Fe (1/10)
  6. Loestrin 24 Fe or Minastrin 24 Fe (24 days of ocp with Ferrous Fumarate only in the Placebo pills)
  7. Generess Fe 0.8/25 (24 days of ocp with Ferrous Fumarate 75 mg only in the Placebo pills)

III. Components

  1. Most common components
    1. Norethindrone Acetate 1.0 mg (see preparation above)
    2. Ethinyl Estradiol 20 ug
  2. Exceptions
    1. Generess (0.8 mg Norethindrone and 25 mcg of Ethinyl Estradiol)

IV. Effects

  1. Relative Progestational Activity: 1.2 (high)
  2. Estrogenic Activity: 13 (low)
  3. Androgenic Activity: 0.53 (high)

V. Pill associated problems

  1. Indications to switch to Alesse
    1. Acne Vulgaris (lower androgen)
    2. Increased Appetite (lower Progestin)
    3. Headaches (lower Estrogen)
    4. Moodiness (less Estrogen or more Progestin)
    5. Weight gain (less Estrogen or more Progestin)
  2. Indications to switch to Loestrin 1.5/30
    1. Libido decreased (more androgen)
    2. Break-through bleed days 10-21 (more Progestin)
    3. Heavy Menses (more Progestin or less Estrogen)
    4. Dysmenorrhea or Menstrual Cramps (more Progestin)
  3. Indications to switch to Estrostep
    1. Breast Tenderness or engorgement (lower Estrogen)
  4. Indications to switch to Ortho Novum 1/35
    1. Break-through bleed days 1-9 (more Estrogen)
    2. Break-through bleed all of month (more Estrogen)
    3. Menses too light (more Estrogen, less Progestin)
  5. Indications to switch to Ortho Cyclen
    1. Major Depression provoked (lower Progestin)

VI. References

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Related Studies

Cost: Medications

lo loestrin fe (on 1/14/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing)
LO LOESTRIN FE 1-10 TABLET $5.58 each