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Compare Sprintec vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Norgestimate / ethinyl estradiol (Sprintec) and norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate (Lo Loestrin Fe) are both estrogen / progestin combined contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy. However, they differ in their formulation and dosing. Sprintec is a monophasic birth control, meaning all active tablets contain the same hormone dose, while Lo Loestrin Fe is biphasic, with varying hormone doses across the active tablets. Sprintec is taken as 21 active tablets followed by 7 placebo tablets, whereas Lo Loestrin Fe consists of 26 active tablets and 2 placebo tablets containing iron. Sprintec is available as a lower-cost generic, while Lo Loestrin Fe does not have a generic version. Other Sprintec brands include Estarylla, Femynor, and Mili, as well as Mono-Linyah. Common side effects for both Sprintec and Lo Loestrin FE include headaches, nausea, and irregular bleeding. Both medications carry risks of blood clots and should not be used by females over 35 who smoke. Additionally, Lo Loestrin Fe has specific interactions with medications like and thyroid hormone replacements, which may require dose adjustments.

  • Sprintec
    Lo loestrin fe
  • Sprintec
    Lo loestrin fe

  • Summary of Sprintec vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Prescription only

    Sprintec is a type of combined oral contraceptive (COC), or birth control, that contains both estrogen and progesterone hormones. It's a monophasic birth control, meaning all active tablets contain the same doses of hormones. Sprintec works well to prevent pregnancy if it's taken daily at the same time every day.

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    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.

  • Indications of Sprintec vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy
    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy

  • Pros and Cons of Sprintec vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •Taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Active pills are all one color so they're easy to identify
    Cons
    •Not recommended for females who smoke cigarettes
    •Can affect mood and behavior
    •Risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and stroke
    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •Contains a very low estrogen dose
    •Shorter, lighter periods compared to other birth control pills
    •Placebo pills have an iron supplement, which might reduce the risk of anemia
    Cons
    •Must be taken at the same time every day
    •More breakthrough bleeding or spotting compared to other birth control pills
    •Can raise risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Sprintec vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in menstrual bleeding (up to 34%)
    •Headache/migraine (33%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Vaginal infection (8%)
    •Genital discharge (7%)
    •Breast pain, discharge, or swelling (6%)
    •Mood changes (5%)
    •Passing gas (3%)
    •Nervousness (3%)
    •Rash (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea or vomiting (7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Irregular bleeding (5%)
    •Menstrual cramps (4%)
    •Changes in weight (4%)
    •Breast tenderness (4%)

  • Warnings of Sprintec vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Irregular bleeding
    •High blood pressure
    •High blood sugar and cholesterol
    •Headache
    •Breast and cervical cancer
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Sprintec vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

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