provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Lo Loestrin Fe Coupon - Lo Loestrin Fe 28 tablets of 1mg/10mcg/10mcg package

Lo Loestrin Fe

norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 24, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Lo Loestrin Fe?

What is Lo Loestrin Fe used for?

How Lo Loestrin Fe works

Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination medication that contains two hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Stopping ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)

  • Changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement

  • Changing the lining of the uterus so it's less likely for a fertilized egg to implant

Lo Loestrin Fe also includes inactive (hormone-free) tablets that contain ferrous fumarate. This iron supplement is added to lower your risk of anemia during the days you might have your period while taking the inactive pills.

Are you looking for information on Junel 24 Fe (norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate) monophasic instead?
When does Lo Loestrin Fe start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLo Loestrin Fe
Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Lo Loestrin Fe essentials

Birth control: woman birth control pills 1297131202

A Guide to Birth Control Pills: Uses, Side Effects, Effectiveness, Cost, and More

Written by Mandy Armitage, MD
Lo loestrin fe: patient speaking with medical professional 962435992

How Much Is Lo Loestrin Fe Without Insurance?

Written by Jeanne Lee
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$223.67(save 88.82%)
Sponsored copay card
Subject to eligibility
$25.00
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting (7%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Irregular bleeding (5%)
  • Menstrual cramps (4%)
  • Changes in weight (4%)
  • Breast tenderness (4%)

Other Side Effects

  • Acne
  • Stomach pain
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, arm pain, shortness of breath, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, drooping face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
  • Serious liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain
When do Lo Loestrin Fe possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Irregular bleeding
Breast tenderness
Mood changes
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

More on Lo Loestrin Fe side effects

Health: Birth Control: GettyImages 1292165452

What are the Risks and Side Effects of Birth Control Pills?

Written by Christina Aungst, PharmD
Health: birth control: portrait with birth control smiling-1392524651

Will Birth Control Pills Make Me Gain Weight? Probably Not

Written by Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Breast tenderness

heavy non-menstrual vaginal bleeding

irregular menstrual periods

longer or heavier menstrual periods

normal menstrual bleeding occurring earlier, possibly lasting longer than expected

Incidence not known

Chest pain

chills

clay-colored stools

confusion

dark urine

diarrhea

difficulty with speaking

dizziness

double vision

fast or irregular heartbeat

fever

headache

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

indigestion

itching or rash

loss of appetite

nausea

pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg

pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially in the calves

severe headaches of sudden onset

severe nausea or vomiting

slurred speech

stomach pain

sudden loss of coordination

sudden onset of slurred speech

sudden vision changes

tightness in the chest

unpleasant breath odor

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual warmth or flushing of the skin

unusually heavy or unexpected menstrual bleeding

vaginal bleeding or spotting

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Vomiting

Less common

Anxiety

blemishes on the skin

cramps

depression

pain

pimples

weight changes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Lo Loestrin Fe

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Lo Loestrin Fe

pharmacist

  • Set an alarm to help you remember to take Lo Loestrin Fe at the same time every day. If you miss pills, your risk of getting pregnant goes up if you’re sexually active.

    • If you're starting Lo Loestrin Fe for the first time, take the first blue tablet within 24 hours of when your period starts. If you start later, use a non-hormonal backup method for the first 7 days.

      • Know what to do if you miss a dose of Lo Loestrin Fe. Follow the instructions in your pill pack or ask your gynecologist — what you should do depends on which pill you missed, when you missed it, and how many pills you missed.

        • Spotting or light bleeding while taking Lo Loestrin Fe is normal. It doesn’t mean the pill isn’t working. Keep taking a dose every day and talk to your gynecologist if the bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop.

          • Lo Loestrin Fe can interact with other medications. Let your gynecologist or pharmacist know about everything you're taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.

            • It’s not recommended to breastfeed while taking Lo Loestrin Fe because it might lower your milk supply. If you’re nursing or planning to breastfeed, talk to your prescriber about your options. They can help you decide what’s best for you and your baby.

              • If you haven’t had a period yet after giving birth and start Lo Loestrin Fe, use a non-hormonal birth control for the first 7 days. You need to take 7 blue pills in a row before relying on it for pregnancy prevention.

                • You might not get your period while using Lo Loestrin Fe, and that can be normal. But if you miss two periods in a row, talk to your prescriber to rule out pregnancy.

                  • Get a yearly check-up while taking Lo Loestrin Fe so your gynecologist can make sure it’s still safe for you. They might check your blood pressure, do a breast or cervical exam, and order blood tests if needed.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Lo Loestrin Fe

                    Does Lo Loestrin Fe cause weight gain?
                    It can. Some people who took Lo Loestrin Fe noticed changes in their weight. But this is often due to bloating or holding extra water, not actual fat gain. If you’re worried about weight changes while taking this medication, talk to your gynecologist.
                    How effective is Lo Loestrin Fe?
                    In clinical studies, Lo Loestrin Fe prevented pregnancy about 97% of the time. The medication works best when you take it every day at the same time. But if you miss doses or take it at different times each day, it might not work as well in preventing pregnancy. Talk with your gynecologist to determine the best birth control option for you.
                    Is Lo Loestrin Fe a combination pill?
                    Yes, Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains two hormones: a progestin called norethindrone and an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol. It's a type of biphasic birth control, meaning the hormone levels change during the month. Each pack has 24 blue tablets with 1 mg norethindrone and 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol, followed by 2 white tablets with only 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol. The final 2 brown tablets are placebo pills that contain ferrous fumarate, an iron supplement.
                    How do you take Lo Loestrin Fe?
                    It's recommended that you start taking Lo Loestrin Fe on Day 1 of your period — this means the first day you start bleeding. Take one blue tablet every day for 24 days, then one white tablet each day for the next 2 days, and finally one brown tablet each day for the last 2 days of the pack. If you don’t start the pills on the first day of your period, make sure to use a hormone-free birth control method for the first 7 days to help prevent pregnancy.
                    What are some long-term side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe?
                    Although rare, birth control pills like Lo Loestrin Fe can sometimes lead to long-term side effects like blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or certain types of cancers. If you're worried about these risks, it's a good idea to talk to your gynecologist. They can help you understand your options and choose what’s best for you.
                    What color pill do you get your period on Lo Loestrin Fe?
                    You'll usually get your period while taking the brown pills in Lo Loestrin Fe. These are the last 2 pills in the 28-day pack and contain iron (not hormones). In studies, most people on average had their period for less than 2 days each month.
                    Can you have no periods while taking Lo Loestrin Fe?
                    Yes, it's possible for you to have no periods while taking Lo Loestrin Fe. In a clinical study, some people had no period by the 1st month, and nearly half had no period by the 13th month. If you miss your period and didn't take your pills as directed, talk to your gynecologist to check for pregnancy.
                    How much estrogen is in Lo Loestrin Fe?
                    While most other combination birth control pills contain 30 to 50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, Lo Loestrin Fe has only 10 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. This makes it one of the lowest-dose options available, which might be helpful if you're sensitive to estrogen-related side effects.
                    GoodRxEducationalIcon

                    How to save using GoodRx

                    Compare Prices
                    1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                    Select your free coupon
                    2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                    Show coupon to your pharmacist
                    3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                    Get free couponLearn more
                    warings-icon

                    What are the risks and warnings for Lo Loestrin Fe?

                    Lo Loestrin Fe can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Cigarette smoking and risk for blood clots

                    • Risk factors: Over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes

                      If you smoke cigarettes, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs), like Lo Loestrin Fe, raises your risk for blood clots. These blood clots can lead to more serious problems, such as heart attack and stroke. People aged 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your gynecologist about safer birth control alternatives.

                      risk-warning

                      Blood clots and strokes

                      • Risk factors: Age 35 or older and smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bed rest | Starting Lo Loestrin Fe less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                        Lo Loestrin Fe raises your risk of blood clots. These clots can occur anywhere in your body, including your lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE), legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot.

                        • Brain: weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion

                          • Eyes: trouble seeing, bulging eye, double vision

                            • Heart: chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness

                              • Lungs: trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough

                                • Legs: cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness

                                  If you need to have surgery, tell your care team you're taking Lo Loestrin Fe. They might have you stop taking it 4 weeks before until 2 weeks after your surgery to lower your risk of blood clots. If you recently delivered a baby, you shouldn't start Lo Loestrin Fe until 4 weeks after delivery if you're not breastfeeding your child.

                                  risk-warning

                                  Liver problems

                                  • Risk factors: History of liver problems | Taking Lo Loestrin Fe long term | Taking certain hepatitis C combination medications

                                    Don't take Lo Loestrin Fe if you have liver problems. Although rare, COCs like Lo Loestrin Fe can raise your risk of benign liver tumors. Signs of liver problems can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), along with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, or dark colored urine.

                                    risk-warning

                                    High blood pressure

                                    • Risk factors: Older age | Taking COCs for a long time

                                      Lo Loestrin Fe can raise your blood pressure, so you might want to check your blood pressure while you're taking this medication. The risk is higher in older adults that have taken birth control for a long time. Stop taking Lo Loestrin Fe and let your care team know if your blood pressure is unusually high.

                                      risk-warning

                                      High blood sugar and triglycerides

                                      • Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | History of high triglycerides

                                        Lo Loestrin Fe can raise your blood sugar and triglyceride (fat) levels. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, let your prescriber know if you experience any changes in your blood sugar. A rise in triglycerides can lead to serious conditions like inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Get emergency medical help if you notice symptoms of pancreatitis, which can include stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Headache

                                        Let your prescriber know if you experience new or worsening migraines or headaches while taking Lo Loestrin Fe. You'll have to stop this medication if your migraine or headache doesn't go away or becomes severe.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Irregular bleeding

                                        People who take Lo Loestrin Fe can sometimes experience breakthrough bleeding and spotting, especially in the first 3 months. This bleeding can be light or feel like a regular period. Keep taking your pills as directed, and let your gynecologist know if the bleeding bothers you.

                                        You might also stop getting your period while using Lo Loestrin Fe. If you missed doses or started your pack late and don’t get your period, there’s a chance you could be pregnant. If you’ve taken your pills correctly and miss two periods in a row, talk to your gynecologist or take a pregnancy test to be safe.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Depression

                                        Talk to your gynecologist if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Lo Loestrin Fe. They might consider stopping this medication if you have serious depression.

                                        risk-warning

                                        Risk for breast and cervical cancer

                                        • Risk factors: History of breast or cervical cancer | Taking COCs for a long time

                                          Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Lo Loestrin Fe and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                                          Don't take Lo Loestrin Fe if you currently have or have had breast cancer because some types of breast cancer grow faster in the presence of estrogen, an ingredient in this medication. You can perform breast self-checks regularly at home and get yearly breast exams with your gynecologist to help with early breast cancer detection. Let them know if you notice any new or abnormal lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                                          Make sure you follow up with your gynecologist to get proper screenings for cervical cancer. Report any signs of vaginal bleeding or discharge that's not normal.

                                          risk-warning

                                          Worsening of other health conditions

                                          • Risk factors: History of hereditary angioedema | History of chloasma gravidarum

                                            If you have certain conditions, such as hereditary angioedema or chloasma (a skin condition that causes dark patches on the face), talk to your gynecologist before taking Lo Loestrin Fe because it might worsen your symptoms. If you have a history of chloasma, limit exposure to the sun or UV light while taking birth control pills like Lo Loestrin Fe.

                                            More on Lo Loestrin Fe warnings

                                            Birth control: thinking holding birth control 1436371688

                                            What Are the Long-term Side Effects of Birth Control?

                                            Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP
                                            dosage

                                            Lo Loestrin Fe dosage forms

                                            The average cost for 1 package of 28 tablets of 1mg/10mcg/10mcg of Lo Loestrin Fe is $25.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 88.82% off the average retail price of $223.67.
                                            package
                                            Package
                                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                            28 tablets of 1mg/10mcg/10mcg1 package$25.00$25.00

                                            Typical dosing for Lo Loestrin Fe

                                            Lo Loestrin Fe comes in a 28-day pack with 26 active tablets and 2 placebo tablets.

                                            In general, the typical dose is 1 active tablet by mouth a day for 26 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet a day for the last 2 days of the pack.

                                            • Days 1 to 24: 1 mg norethindrone / 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol (blue tablets)

                                            • Days 25 and 26: 10 mcg ethinyl estradiol (white tablets)

                                            • Days 27 and 28: 75 mg placebo with ferrous fumarate (brown tablets)

                                            interactions

                                            Interactions between Lo Loestrin Fe and other drugs

                                            Lo Loestrin Fe may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Lo Loestrin Fe. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                            drug-cost

                                            How much does Lo Loestrin Fe cost?

                                            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                                            Lo Loestrin Fe (brand)
                                            GoodRx lowest price

                                            $99.00

                                            (save 55.74%)
                                            View prices & coupons
                                            contraindications-icon

                                            Lo Loestrin Fe contraindications

                                            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Lo Loestrin Fe will not be safe for you to take.
                                            alternatives

                                            What are alternatives to Lo Loestrin Fe?

                                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Lo Loestrin Fe. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                            Lo Loestrin Fe
                                            Used for:
                                            $25.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                            Junel 1/20
                                            Used for:

                                            • To prevent pregnancy

                                            $28.96 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                            Kariva
                                            Used for:
                                            $31.36 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                            images

                                            Lo Loestrin Fe images

                                            White Hexagon Wc And 422 - Lo Loestrin Fe Tablet
                                            This medicine is White, Hexagon Package Imprinted With "422" And "Wc".White Hexagon Wc And 422 - Lo Loestrin Fe Tablet

                                            Get savings updates for Lo Loestrin Fe

                                            Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Lo Loestrin Fe and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                                            By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                                            References

                                            Best studies we found

                                            Allergan, Inc. (2025). Lo Loestrin Fe- norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, ethinyl estradiol and ferrous fumarate [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                            French, V. (2023). What you should know about breakthrough bleeding with birth control. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

                                            Villavicencio, J., et al. (2016). Unscheduled bleeding and contraceptive choice: Increasing satisfaction and continuation rates. Open Access Journal of Contraception.

                                            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                                            Was this page helpful?

                                            Compare other Birth Control drugs

                                            Blisovi 24 Fe vs Lo Loestrin FeJunel Fe 24 vs Lo Loestrin FeSprintec vs Lo Loestrin FeYaz vs Lo Loestrin FeApri vs SprintecSprintec vs Ortho Tri Cyclen LoYasmin vs Yaz
                                            View More

                                            Browse medications

                                            View All

                                            Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.