Loestrin is an oral contraceptive/birth
control pill manufactured by
Parke Davis. It contains two
types of hormones, estrogen
and progestin, which when taken
properly helps prevent pregnancy.
It works by stopping a woman’s
egg from ovulating each month.
The generic name for Loestrin
is Norethindrone and Ethinyl
Estradiol. This drug is available
under the names of;
- Loestrin 1/20
- Loestrin 1.5/30
Loestrin may also be used in
hormone replacement therapy,
to help regulate menstrual cycles
and treat symptoms of menopause.
Warning
of Loestrin
Do not smoke while on this drug,
as it increases your risk of
having heart problems.
Women older than age 35 and
women who smoke more than 15
cigarettes per day have a greater
risk for heart problems. Do
not use this drug if you are
pregnant or suspect that you
may be pregnant. Loestrin is
excreted in breast milk, so
do not breast fee while you
are taking this drug.
Drug
Interactions of Loestrin
Some medicines or medical conditions
may interact with this drug,
this is why it is important
that you inform your doctor
of all prescription and over-the-counter
medication you are taking, as
well as any prior medical problems
you may have.
Do not take Loestrin if you
are on these medications;
- azole antifungal medicines
such as ketoconazole or itraconazole,
- acitretin,
- aprepitant,
- bosetan,
- barbiturates,
- griseofulvin,
- carbamazepine,
- topiramate,
- tetracycline antibiotics,
- hydantoins such as phenytoin,
- St. John's wort, or
- rifampin.
If you are on any of these drugs
while taking Loestrin you have
an increased risk of pregnancy.
You may also need to be monitored
by if you are taking;
- benzodiazepines,
- corticosteroids,
- felbamate,
- HIV protease inhibitors,
- nevirapine,
- modafinil,
- beta-blockers such as metoprolol
or carvedilol,
- lamotrigine,
- pioglitazone,
- penicillin antibiotics,
- theophylline,
- troglitazone,
- troleandomycin, or
- medication for seizures.
It is vital that you do not
start or stop this drug without
your doctor’s approval.
It is also important to inform
your doctor if you had or have
suffered from any of the following
conditions;
- cancer,
- diabetes,
- headaches or migraines,
- high triglyceride levels,
- high blood pressure,
- recent surgery,
- allergies,
- pregnancy, or
- if you are breast-feeding.
The use of this drug is not
recommended if you have a history
of;
- problems with the blood vessels
in the brain or heart,
- heart valve problems,
- heart attack,
- uncontrolled high blood pressure,
- abnormal or undiagnosed vaginal
bleeding,
- certain cancers including
breast cancer,
- serious liver problems,
- blood clots,
- certain blood disorders such
as porphyria,
- stroke, or
- smoking.
Usage
of Loestrin
It is important that you follow
your doctor’s instructions
while on Loestrin. Remember
to take this drug at the same
time every day and not more
than 24 hours apart. If you
miss a dose, take it as soon
as possible and then take your
next dose at the regular time.
This means you may take 2 doses
of Loestrin on the same day.
If you miss more than one dose
of this drug contact your doctor
as soon as you can. Do not take
Loestrin if you have an allergic
reaction to it or any of the
ingredients in this product.
It is also vital that you keep
all your doctors appointments
while on this drug.
If you are having surgery or
will be confined to a chair
or bed for a long period of
time notify your doctor as special
precautions may need to be taken
in these circumstances. If you
miss your period during the
week of inactive pills, call
your doctor straight away. A
missed period may indicate that
you are pregnant.
Precautions
while using Loestrin
Bleeding or spotting may occur
while taking this drug. If the
bleeding or spotting continues
for more than 7 days, contact
your doctor. Taking certain
antibiotics or anticonvulsants
while you on Loestrin may decrease
its effectiveness. If you wear
contact lenses you may develop
problems with them while on
Loestrin. This drug is also
known to cause dark skin patches
on your face. If these patches
develop use a sunscreen or protective
clothing when exposed to the
sun. Understand that the use
of this drug will not prevent
the spread of sexually transmitted
diseases.
Side
Effects of using Loestrin
Possible side effects from this
drug that may go away during
treatment include;
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- bleeding between menstrual
periods,
- breast tenderness, or
- weight change.
Contact your doctor immediately
if you experience persistent
abnormal vaginal bleeding, a
missed menstrual period, dizziness
or fainting, swelling of fingers
or ankles, difficulty wearing
contact lenses, experience calf/leg
pain or swelling, trouble breathing
or shortness of breath, chest
pain, one-sided weakness, slurred
speech, lumps in the breast,
sudden severe headache, sharp
or crushing chest pain, yellowing
skin or eyes, changes in vision,
numbness of an arm or leg, or
severe stomach pain.
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