Blisovi 24 Fe vs. Lo Loestrin Fe for Birth Control: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Blisovi 24 Fe (norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate) and Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate) are both estrogen / progestin combined contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy. They share the same active ingredients but differ in their formulation and dosing. Blisovi 24 Fe is a monophasic birth control, meaning all active tablets have the same hormone levels, with 24 active tablets and 4 placebo tablets. In contrast, Lo Loestrin Fe is a biphasic contraceptive with 26 active tablets and 2 placebo tablets, featuring two different hormone strengths during the cycle. Blisovi 24 Fe has a lower-cost generic available, while Lo Loestrin Fe does not. Other generics similar to Blisovi 24 include Junel Fe 24, Aurovela 24 Fe, and Hailey 24 Fe. Common side effects for both include nausea, headaches, and irregular bleeding. Both medications carry risks of blood clots, especially in individuals over 35 who smoke. Additionally, both may interact with certain medications, that can increase side effects or lower their effectiveness.

Blisovi 24 Fe

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Lo Loestrin Fe

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Summary for Blisovi 24 Fe

Prescription only

Blisovi 24 Fe is a birth control pill that's taken every day to prevent pregnancy. As a combined oral contraceptive (COC), the active pills contain 2 hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), while the inactive pills have some iron. It has a lower estrogen dose and 24 active tablets, compared to the usual 21 in similar COCs. Blisovi 24 Fe is a monophasic birth control, meaning all active tablets have the same hormone levels. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and weight gain.

Blisovi 24 Fe is a generic of the discontinued brand name Loestrin 24 Fe. Other generics like Blisovi 24 Fe include Junel Fe 24 and Hailey 24 Fe.

Indications for Blisovi 24 Fe

To prevent pregnancy

Pros and Cons for Blisovi 24 Fe

Pros

Taken once daily with or without food
Works well to prevent pregnancy
Inactive pills contain iron, which might lower your risk for anemia

Cons

Raises the risk of a blood clot
Raises the risk of liver problems
Instructions for missed doses vary by week and number of doses missed

Common Side Effects for Blisovi 24 Fe

Headache (6%)
Vaginal yeast infection (6%)
Nausea (5%)
Menstrual cramps (4%)
Breast tenderness (3%)
Acne (3%)
Bacterial vaginal infection (3%)

Warnings for Blisovi 24 Fe

Cigarette smoking and risk for blood clots
Blood clots and strokes
Liver problems
High blood pressure
High blood sugar and triglycerides
Headache
Irregular bleeding
Depression
Risk for breast and cervical cancer
Worsening of other health conditions

Summary for Lo Loestrin Fe

Prescription only

Lo Loestrin Fe is a prescription birth control pill used to help prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones — ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone (a progestin) — along with ferrous fumarate, which is an iron supplement. This low-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC) is taken once a day by mouth in a 28-day cycle: 26 days of active pills and 2 days of placebo pills. Some common side effects include spotting, nausea, and breast tenderness.