subject: The Contraceptive Loestrin And Birth Control Side Effects [print this page] Loestrin Loestrin
What is Loestrin?
Loestrin is a birth control medication, used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. Like all birth control pills, Loestrin prevents pregnancy by using hormones. The drug is a combination of female hormones- estrogen (scientific name: ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (scientific name: norethindrone acetate) in doses that stop ovulation. The hormones change the environment inside the uterus, thus making it harder for a sperm to fertilize an egg in case ovulation does occur.
There are two versions of Loestrin birth control: regular Loestrin and Loestrin 24Fe. The original form is an ordinary low-estrogen birth control pill. Loestrin Fe is designed to make womens periods shorter while also protecting against pregnancy. Each pill contains the lowest level of hormones (20mcg), approved by the Food and Drug Administration for
effective birth control. The lower hormone levels are considered safer for the womens health and reduce possible side effects.
Prescription and use of Loestrin
Loestrin should be taken precisely as prescribed by a gynecologist. The recommended dosage, unless prescribed differently, is one pill daily. If one or more pills are missed, then women can compensate with increased doses in the next couple of days, however it is strongly advisable to use an alternative birth control method since the chances for pregnancy to occur are much higher. In cases of overdosing, symptoms may include nausea,
vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. Then you should immediately seek emergency medical attention.
Precautions
Loestrin should be avoided in cases of pregnancy, lactation, imminent major surgery, prolonged bed rest, hypertension, abnormal vaginal bleeding, circulation problems, liver disease, stroke or blood clot and hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer. Some drugs (antibiotics using penicillin and tetracycline, barbiturate sedatives, vitamin C, HIV or
AIDS medicines) can interact with Loestrin and reduce its effectiveness, which may result in pregnancy. Loestrin Fe does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Smoking women older than 35 years are with increased risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
Potential side effects
Side effects of Loestrin that require immediate medical attention include serious allergic reactions: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; sudden headache and blurred vision, stomach problems, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and eyes. The drug might also cause mild nausea, darkening of the skin, vaginal itching or discharge, nervousness, dizziness. It is best to consult with a doctor if any side effects occur.
