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Compare Yaz vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

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

Key takeaways

Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol (Yaz) and norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate (Lo Loestrin Fe) are both oral contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy. They belong to the estrogen / progestin combined contraceptive medication class. While both medications are effective in preventing pregnancy, Yaz is also FDA-approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne, whereas Lo Loestrin Fe is not. Yaz is a monophasic pill with 24 active hormone tablets and 4 placebo tablets, while Lo Loestrin Fe is biphasic, containing 26 active tablets and 2 placebo tablets with iron. Yaz has branded generic versions available, including Nikki, Jasmiel, and Lo-Zumandimine, while Lo Loestrin Fe does not have a lower-cost generic option. Common side effects of Yaz include nausea, headache, and weight gain, while Lo Loestrin Fe may cause nausea, headache, and irregular bleeding. Both medications can increase the risk of blood clots, especially if you smoke and are over 35 years old. It's important to take these medications as directed and discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.

  • Yaz
    Lo loestrin fe
  • Yaz
    Lo loestrin fe

  • Summary of Yaz vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Prescription only

    Yaz is a combination birth control pill taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 medications: drospirenone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). In addition to birth control, it's FDA approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne. Each 28-day pack contains 24 active hormone tablets and 4 placebo tablets. Possible side effects include nausea, headache, and weight gain. <br> Branded generics that are like the brand-name product Yaz include Nikki, Jasmiel, and Lo-Zumandimine.

    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 Yaz vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy
    •Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
    •Acne (in people 14 years and older who've started their periods)
    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy

  • Pros and Cons of Yaz vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once a day
    •91% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly
    •Also FDA approved to treat acne and PMDD
    Cons
    •Raises the risk of serious blood clots
    •Can cause unpleasant side effects, like headache, nausea, and vomiting
    •Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
    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 Yaz vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Common Side Effects for

    Pregnancy prevention and acne:

    •Headache or migraine (7%)
    •Irregular menstrual bleeding (5%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (4%)
    •Breast pain or tenderness (4%)

    PMDD:

    •Irregular menstrual bleeding (25%)
    •Nausea (16%)
    •Headache (13%)
    •Breast tenderness (11%)
    •Tiredness (4%)
    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 Yaz vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems
    •Risk of blood clot
    •High potassium
    •Breast and cervical cancer
    •Liver problems
    •Gallbladder problems
    •High blood pressure
    •High blood sugar and triglycerides
    •Headache
    •Irregular bleeding
    •Depression
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    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 Yaz vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

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