Tablets

Galen

Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate) is used to prevent pregnancy.

Do not take Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate) or to similar medications.

Before using Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have impairment of heart, lung, liver and kidney functions

Avoid smoking cigarettes while taking Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate). Smoking greatly increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. The use of Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate) does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS.

Other: Depression, changes in weight or appetite, vaginal yeast infection, changes in your menstrual cycle, oily skin or acne, changes in your sex drive, lethargy or fatigue, bloating, changes in your skin color, changes in your blood sugar.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop taking Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. Take the first pill in a package on the first Sunday after your period begins (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours after your last dose. Try to take the pills at a time that you will remember every day--for example, just before bed, with a meal, or first thing in the morning. Taking your pill at night may help to reduce any nausea or headache that you may experience because of the hormones. If you are on a 28-day cycle, take one pill every day. When the pack runs out, throw it away. Begin a new pack the following day. The 28-day cycle contains seven pills that are either placebos (with no active ingredients) or iron supplements. These are "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. They are taken while you are menstruating. If you are on a 21-day cycle, take one pill every day for 21 days, then do not take any pills for 7 days. You should have your period during the 7 days with no pills. Resume your pills on the 8th day with a new package.

Store Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate) at room temperature in a cool dry place, protect from heat and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.