Lo Loestrin Fe alternatives: What can I take instead of Lo Loestrin Fe?

Compare Lo Loestrin Fe alternatives | Yaz | Yasmin | Apri | Minastrin 24 Fe | Levora | Natural alternatives | How to switch meds

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are one of the most used medications by women of reproductive age. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), oral contraceptives are currently being used by 14% of women aged 15 to 49. 

Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol) is a combination birth control pill approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent pregnancy in women younger than 35 years of age who do not smoke. It’s a type of birth control pill where an iron supplement is taken for two days during the menstrual cycle.

What can I take in place of Lo Loestrin Fe?

Oral contraceptive pills are prescription drugs with varying concentrations of estrogen and/or progesterone that affect ovulation. Most preparations contain less than 35 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen and are considered “low-dose.” Some newer preparations contain less than 20 mcg of estrogen and are considered “ultra-low-dose pills.”

“Low-dose birth control can be a great option as it’s still just as effective but has a lower chance of causing unwanted symptoms (like headache and nausea),” says Michael Green, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and chief medical officer at Winona.

There are many options available when it comes to choosing an oral contraceptive. Which medication is chosen will depend on the side effect profile of the medication, unique patient characteristics, and specific goals of treatment. Insurance covers many but not all contraceptives. If cost is a concern, you can save money on your birth control prescription by using your SingleCare prescription discount card.

Some oral contraceptive pills also have non-contraceptive indications and can be used in the treatment of menstrual cycle disorders, pelvic pain disorders, ovarian cysts, acne, and hyperandrogenism. Use of any oral contraceptive is associated with an increased risk of blood clots. It is important to follow medical advice while taking these medications and to disclose a complete medical history, including any other medications or supplements you are taking, prior to beginning this medication. Oral contraceptives should not be used in women who are pregnant or with a history of or active endometrial or breast cancer. Breast tenderness is a common side effect with oral contraceptives. If breast tenderness becomes painful or bothersome, notify your healthcare provider. 

RELATED: List of contraceptives

Other alternatives to Lo Loestrin Fe

Monophasic pills 

Monophasic pills contain the same amount of estrogen and progestin.

• Amethia Lo
• Lo/Ovral-28 
• Beyaz
• Desogen
• Gianvi
• Lessina
• Ocella
• Low-Ogestrel
• Previfem
• Reclipsen
• Safyral
• Emoquette 
• Enskyce 
• Nikki
• Tydemy
• Kelnor
• Zovia 1/35 E-28 
• Cryselle
• Introvale 
• Quasense
• Setlakin
• Microgestin Fe 1/20
• Philith
• Generess Fe
• LoSeasonique 
• Ashlyna
• Camrese
• Seasonique
• Jamiess

Biphasic pills

Biphasic pills contain the same amount of estrogen, but progestin is increased midway through the cycle.

• Azurette
• Bekyree
• Kariva
• Kimidess
• Pimtrea

Triphasic pills

Triphasic pills contain three different doses of hormones, changing every seven days.

• Aranelle
• Caziant
• Enpresse
• Velivet
• Cyclessa
• Levonest
• Trivora
• Leena
• Tilia Fe
• Tri-Lo-Sprintec
• Tri-Lo-Marzia
• Tri-Lo-Estarylla 

Quadriphasic pills

Quadriphasic pills contain four different strengths of hormones.

• Natazia 
• Fayosim
• Quartette 

Top 5 Lo Loestrin Fe alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Lo Loestrin Fe.

1. Yaz

Yaz is the brand name for an oral contraceptive containing 3 mg drospirenone and 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Yaz is like Lo Loestrin in that it is still considered a low-dose birth control pill; however, Yaz contains a different progestin. 

Yaz has additional indications for use and may be a preferable oral contraceptive for women who may need relief from a more serious form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD). Women with PDD usually experience more typical symptoms of PMS such as cramping and bloating, accompanied by irritability, anxiety, and depression that may interfere with social activities. 

RELATED: Yaz vs. Yasmin

2. Yasmin

Yasmin is a birth control pill that contains 3 mg of drospirenone with 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. With a higher dosage of estrogen, Yasmin can be used in the management of other estrogen-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and PCOS. 

Certain antiviral medications may cause negative drug interactions with Yasmin resulting in hyperkalemia. It is important to notify your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications prior to starting a new oral contraceptive. 

3. Apri

Apri is an oral contraceptive containing 0.15 mg of desogestrel and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. 

Apri and Lo Loestrin have differences in the number of days that active medication is taken. With Apri, active pills are only taken for 21 days, compared to 24 days with Lo Loestrin. Apri can also be used for the management of cystic acne and heavy menstrual bleeding.

RELATED: The best birth control for acne

4. Minastrin 24 Fe

Like Lo Loestrin, Minastrin 24 Fe is an iron-containing oral contraceptive. Goals of prescribing these preparations are aimed at reducing the risk of iron deficiency and anemia in women. Another unique aspect of Minastrin 24 is that it is one of the only preparations that is available as a chewable tablet. 

RELATED: The best foods for anemia

5. Levora

Levora contains 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Levora can also be used for emergency contraception (medication taken immediately after intercourse to prevent pregnancy). These medications are also associated with breakthrough bleeding or spotting, which is not an indication of whether the medication is working. 

Natural alternatives to Lo Loestrin Fe

Hormonal birth control is considered a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. Which type of birth control is safest or healthiest to use will depend on each person’s unique health characteristics. 

There is no clinical data to support the use of vitamins or herbal remedies to prevent pregnancy. Medications and supplements with abortive potential or that are known to be teratogenic should not be taken to prevent pregnancy as these could cause significant harm to a woman and developing fetus. 

The following are natural and non-hormonal contraceptive methods:

Withdrawal method

In the coitus interruptus or the “pull-out” method to prevent pregnancy, the penis must be withdrawn from the vagina prior to ejaculation. This should not be considered reliable contraception. In limited data available from 2013, 21% of women aged 15 to 24 using this method experienced an unwanted pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding 

Lactational amenorrhea is a period where a breastfeeding woman does not have a period and therefore has a decreased risk of becoming pregnant. Breastfeeding alone is not considered reliable contraception. 

Non-hormonal birth control

Copper IUDs and male or female condoms are non-hormonal birth control options that are more effective at preventing pregnancy than the withdrawal method or breastfeeding. Additionally, condoms are the only form of birth control that also prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. 

Non-estrogen hormonal options include an implant that goes under the skin, IUDs that release hormones, the birth control shot, and progestin-only pills. All of these methods contain progestin only—not estrogen.

RELATED: Birth control options

How to switch to a Lo Loestrin Fe alternative

When switching from Lo Loestrin Fe to another birth control pill, it is important to discuss this transition with your healthcare provider. Generally, the best way is to just start taking the new pill, with no gaps in between. You do not need to finish one pack of pills before starting a new one. If you have never taken birth control pills before, you should start with the first pill in the pack. If you are switching to an alternative method of contraception such as an IUD, vaginal ring, implant, patch, shot, or condoms, you may need to overlap methods for several days. You may have changes to your period after switching medications. This is normal. To prevent STDs and HIV, it is best to always use condoms.