GENERIC NAME: NORETHINDRONE ACETATE/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL W/ FERROUS FUMARATE ORAL (nor-ETH-in-drone/ETH-in-ill ess-truh-DYE-ohl FAIR-us SULL-fate)
BRAND NAME(S): Estrostep Fe, Loestrin Fe
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using this medication increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using this medication. The risk of heart problems increases with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater). Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age. Keep this product out of reach of children. If an accidental overdose does occur, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center.
USES: This medication is used to prevent pregnancy or to regulate your menstrual cycle. It may also be used to treat acne vulgaris.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Try to take this medication at the same time each day. This may help you to remember to take it. This medication is available in a cycle of one tablet a day for 21 days with no medication for 7 days, or in a package of 28 days where 7 of the tablets may not contain any hormone. Follow your dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions. Use a supplemental form of birth control during the first week of taking this medication since it takes a while to be effective.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: severe depression, pain in groin or calf, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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