Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol/ferrous fumarate) is a prescription drug that’s used to prevent pregnancy. The drug comes as an oral tablet. It’s usually taken once per day.
Lo Loestrin Fe is used to prevent pregnancy in females of any age who can become pregnant. (Note: This article uses the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. To learn more about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.)
Lo Loestrin Fe belongs to a group of drugs called combination hormonal birth control pills.
This article describes the dosage of Lo Loestrin Fe, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Lo Loestrin Fe, see this in-depth article.
Note: It’s not known whether Lo Loestrin Fe is effective at preventing pregnancy in females with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. If you have questions, talk with your doctor to learn more.
This section describes the usual dosage of Lo Loestrin Fe. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Lo Loestrin Fe’s form?
Lo Loestrin Fe comes as an oral tablet.
What strength does Lo Loestrin Fe come in?
Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination birth control pill that comes in 28-day blister packs.
Each pack contains:
What are the usual dosages of Lo Loestrin Fe?
The following information describes the dosage that’s commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage to prevent pregnancy
The typical Lo Loestrin Fe dosage to prevent pregnancy is one tablet taken daily. You’ll take the tablets in the order directed in the blister pack. It’s important to follow the directions provided for Lo Loestrin Fe exactly for the drug to be effective at preventing pregnancy.
When you first begin taking Lo Loestrin Fe, your doctor will likely have you take the first dose on day 1 of your menstrual period. If you miss taking it on the first day of your period, your doctor will suggest using another form of birth control, such as condoms, for the first week of your Lo Loestrin Fe treatment.
If you have questions about your dosage of Lo Loestrin Fe or how to take the medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to take Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe comes as tablets in 28-day blister packs. You’ll take one tablet daily as directed by your doctor, typically in the order provided in the blister pack. Your doctor will likely have you start taking Lo Loestrin Fe on the first day of your menstrual period. You can take the medication with or without food.
You can take your dose at any time of day, but try to take it around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent level of the drug in your body.
You should not crush, cut, or chew Lo Loestrin Fe tablets. They should be swallowed whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your pharmacist about your options. You can also see this article for tips on how to swallow pills.
Is Lo Loestrin Fe used long term?
Yes, Lo Loestrin Fe is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Do not take more Lo Loestrin Fe than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- nausea
- vaginal bleeding
What to do in case you take too much Lo Loestrin Fe
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Lo Loestrin Fe. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.