Lo Loestrin Fe birth control prescription available online

As a hormonal birth control pill, Lo Loestrin Fe combines two hormones: norethindrone acetate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Lo Loestrin Fe work to help prevent pregnancy by:

• preventing ovulation

• making it more difficult for sperm to get through the cervix to the uterus

• making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus

Aside from being a birth control method, there are other benefits of Lo Loestrin Fe:

• Lighter and shorter periods

• Reduced severe menstrual periods and cramps

• Reduced acne breakouts

• Decreased anemia

Like any hormonal birth control, Lo Loestrin Fe's can have side effects. Common side effects may include: nausea, breast tenderness, headache, irregular bleeding (usually in the first few months only)

Other side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe, which are less common but may be more severe, could include:

• Changes in weight

• Changes in mood, including increased anxiety or depressive symptoms

• Increased risk of blood clots

You should contact your doctor if you notice any of these side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. 

Lo Loestrin Fe may interact with other medications or supplements you take. Don’t change which medications, supplements, or other over-the-counter drugs you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Some drugs that can interact with Lo Loestrin Fe include:

• Levothyroxine

• Melatonin

• Metformin

• Xanax (alprazolam)

In addition, some drugs or herbal preparations can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills like Lo Loestrin Fe. These include:

• Antibiotics

• Griseofulvin and antifungal medications

• Barbituates, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, topiramate and other anti-seizure medications 

Always let your doctor know which other medications you take before you take Lo Loestrin Fe tablets.

If you miss any of your birth control pills, the effectiveness may decrease, meaning you are more likely to become pregnant. According to Abbvie, the maker of Lo Loestrin Fe, you can follow the following guidelines depending on which type of pill(s) you missed:

• Miss 1 blue pill: Take it as soon as you remember and continue to take the next medicine at your regular time. It is ok to be taking 2 medications in 1 day.

• Miss 3 or more blue or white pills in a row at any time: You can discard the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack on the same day.

Refer to the Lo Loestrin Fe FAQ site for more miss pills scenarios. You can also contact your doctor for more information about missing a dose.

Feeling fully informed is an important part of being empowered to make the right birth control choice. At PlushCare, we prioritize taking the time to discuss all your options and any concerns you might have. Here are some questions that may be helpful to discuss with your doctor to explore if Lo Loestrin Fe is the right fit for you: 

• How does Lo Loestrin Fe compare to other hormonal birth control options?

• Is it safe to take for a long period of time?

• When is the best time to take my birth control?

• How will Lo Loestrin Fe affect my menstrual cycle?

• Will taking birth control affect my fertility if I plan to get pregnant in the future?

• What should I do if I experience unwanted side effects?

• Are there any alternative methods that you would recommend? 

• How often do you recommend follow-up appointments?