General Information on Loestrin
An oral contraceptive, Loestrin is used for preventing pregnancy. The generic name of this drug is Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone. While Ethinyl Estradiol is a man-made version of oestrogen, Norethindrone is a synthetic version of progesterone. Both, oestrogen and progesterone are female sex hormones.
Loestrin prevents pregnancy by:
- Preventing ovulation
- Preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg by increasing the thickness of cervical mucus
- Preventing a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the uterus by changing the lining of endometrium
Side effects of Loestrin
Like other drugs, Loestrin may also cause certain side effects. The severity and number of side effects varies from case to case. Before you buy Loestrin, discuss the risks of using this contraceptive in your case with your doctor. During treatment, if you experience any side effect that causes concern, you must consult your doctor.
Side effects of Loestrin may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Nausea
- Vomitting
- Breast enlargement, tenderness
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression
- Change in menstrual cycle
- Increase in blood pressure
- Skin reactions
- Vaginal thrush
- Fluid retention
- Gallstones
- Chloasma
- Blood Clotting
You should not buy Loestrin if you have a known allergy to any of its constituents. If you experience an allergic reaction, characterized by following symptoms: hives, facial flushness, skin rashes, itching, or difficulty swallowing, or breathing, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Loestrin is contraindicated in patients who have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
- Angina
- Blood clotting disorders
- Blood disorders
- Heart valve disease
- Hypertension
- Irregular heartbeat
- High cholesterol levels
- Severe diabetes
- Breast cancer
- Gallstone
- Jaundice
You should not breast feed a baby if you are using Loestrin, as it may cause harm to the nursing child. Do not use Loestrin if you are pregnant, as it can cause birth defects.
You should use this contraceptive pill with caution if you smoke, are over 35 years, are obese, or have or have/had any of the following:
- Varicose veins
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disorder
Dosage of Loestrin
Loestrin is available in a 28-day pack that contains 21 active tablets (containing Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone) and 7 placebos. You should take one active table each day for 21 days starting from the 1st day of your menstrual cycle, followed by one placebo each day for the next 7 days.
You may take Loestrin with or without food. You should store this drug at room temperature, between 15°-30°C. Keep your medication away from children.
Interactions
Certain drugs, if taken along with Loestrin, may reduce its effectiveness and result in unwanted pregnancy. Names of some drugs that are known to interfere with Loestrin are as follows:
- Bosentan
- Aprepitant
- Modafinil
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Ritonavir
- Rifabutin
- Topiramate
- Oxcarbazepine
- Phenobarbital
- St. John’s wort
- Eslicarbazepine
- Barbiturates
- Topiramate
- Primidone
Other drugs may also interact with Loestrin and reduce its effectiveness or increase the risk of certain side effects. This is why, it is necessary that you inform your doctor about all the other drugs that you are taking, including all herbal, prescription, and non-prescription medicines. In addition, while you are taking this contraceptive, consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
