Norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 15, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Lo Loestrin Fe
• Lo Minastrin Fe

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet
• Tablet, Chewable

Uses for norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate

Norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, and when taken properly, prevents pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.

Norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate also contains ferrous fumarate. Ferrous fumarate is an iron supplement.

No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.

Norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.

Norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate combination have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate in teenagers are not expected. Norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate may be used for birth control in teenage females but should not be used before the start of menstruation.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate combination have not been performed in the geriatric population. Norethindrone, ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate is not indicated for use in elderly women.

Breastfeeding

Studies suggest that