Loestrin
Loestrin is a combined contraceptive pill that contains ethinylestradiol and norethisterone, which are synthetic versions of the hormones that occur naturally in a woman's body.
How Does Loestrin Work?
Loestrin prevents a woman from becoming pregnant by stopping her body from ovulating. The pill also changes the cervical mucus, making it more of a barrier to sperm, and alters the lining of the uterus to make it less likely that a fertilised egg could attach to it.
Loestrin Dosage
Loestrin, manufactured by Galen - is available in two different strengths. Loestrin 20 contains 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 1 milligram of norethisterone acetate, and Loestrin 30 contains 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 1.5 milligram of norethisterone acetate. The doctor will consider various factors, including how well the patient has tolerated oral contraceptives in the past, before deciding which dosage is best for the individual.
How Often is Loestrin Taken?
Patients take one tablet daily, regardless of which strength the doctor prescribes, for 21 days. No pills are taken for seven days, and then the patient starts a new cycle. For maximum effectiveness, the pill should be taken at the same time each day.
How Effective is Loestrin?
No oral contraceptive can prevent all pregnancies. However, if the pill is taken properly, Loestrin is approximately 99 percent effective. This is the maximum effectiveness any contraceptive pill may claim.
Loestrin Side Effects
Although side effects are possible, most women experience few adverse effects and those that occur are typically minor. Some side effects may improve over time, and few require treatment. Most of the side effects of Loestrin are shared by all oral contraceptives. These include spotting or bleeding between periods, tender or swollen breasts, vomiting or nausea, headaches, bloating and problems wearing contacts. Some women's acne improved, but some experienced a worsening of the condition. Patients should report any heavy bleeding between periods to their doctors. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and depression are also possible side effects. The pill increases a woman's risk of stroke, liver damage, blood clots and heart attack, so any warning signs of these conditions should be promptly reported. Some women may experience an allergic reaction; hives, swelling, problems swallowing or breathing, wheezing or unexplained rashes should be reported at once.
What Other Medications Affect Loestrin?
Numerous medications can interfere with the effectiveness of Loestrin, so patients should advise their doctors of all drugs they take before beginning any new medication. Drugs that may require the patient to use a secondary form of contraception include aminoglutethimide; certain antibiotics; barbiturates such as phenobarbital, primidone and secobarbital; dexamethasone; cyclosporine; and modafinil. Many medications taken to control seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, topiramate and lamotrigine, may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Protease inhibitors may interfere with the actions of Loestrin; common protease inhibitors include amprenavir, atazanavir, fosamprenavir, nelfinavir and ritonavir. St. John's wort is a common herbal treatment that may also reduce the effectiveness of Loestrin.
Who Should Not Take Loestrin?
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not take Loestrin. Oral contraceptives are generally not recommended for women with a history of jaundice during a previous pregnancy or while taking the pill. Patients with a history of heart disease, clotting disorders or gallbladder disease may not be approved for Loestrin. Women who have currently have cancer, or who have previously had cancer, should not take Loestrin. Nor should women with cirrhosis of the liver or hepatitis.
Doctors will evaluate patients with high cholesterol, depression or high blood pressure to determine whether they may safely take Loestrin. Women who are over the age of 35 or who smoke are at greater risk for serious side effects, and doctors may refuse to prescribe Loestrin for these patients. Women with irregular heartbeats or systemic lupus erythematosus should not take Loestrin.
Doctors will evaluate patients with high cholesterol, depression or high blood pressure to determine whether they may safely take Loestrin. Women who are over the age of 35 or who smoke are at greater risk for serious side effects, and doctors may refuse to prescribe Loestrin for these patients. Women with irregular heartbeats or systemic lupus erythematosus should not take Loestrin.
