Loestrin 24 is widely used and the most common birth control or anti-pregnancy medication doing the rounds in the market. This contraceptive pill is used by thousands of women all over the world to avoid pregnancy.
Loestrin 24 or Loestrin 24 Fe is an oral birth control pill and is a brand of Norithindrone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol. This drug basically shortens the period span in women falling in the age group of 18 to 45 years to three days and reduces the blood flow without any weight gains. It works by preventing ovulation in woman and some women even experience clear skin and also feel it prevents acne formation.
Just like other drugs Loestrin 24 Fe has side effects and you should consult your Primary Care Physician if you want to start this pill. The side effects vary from person to person and also vary in intensity. Some may have temporary side effects and some may experience serious side effects or in fact some women have good tolerance and may not experience it at all. Temporary side effects are very minor and do not require any treatment but if they become more severe then take this drug under doctor’s supervision only. However, as Loestrin 24 Fe contains a low dose of hormones compared to other birth control pills, the side effect are comparatively less serious.
The following are very serious Loestrin 24 Fe side effects:
- Breathlessness or difficulty in breathing.
- Some women experience swelling on their face, lips, tongue or throat. This may be temporary and go off or last for more days.
The individual loses taste and many psychological side effects follow this. If they last for more days, then Primary Care Provider’s consultation becomes necessary.
The following are mild-to-serious Loestrin 24 Fe side effects:
- Sudden onset of headache.
- Stomach pangs.
- Blurred vision.
- Dizziness.
- Gait problems.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Chills and fevers.
- Problem while speaking.
- Tastelessness.
- Swelling on lips.
- Sudden onset of chest pain.
- Loss of appetite
The following are mild-to-moderate Loestrin 24 Fe side effects:
- Sudden weight gain or weight loss.
- Mood variation, commonly called mood swings.
- Mild-to-moderate nausea and vomiting.
- Hair loss.
- Vaginal itching or yeast infection.
- Sudden onset of breast pain.
- Fluctuations in period cycle.
- Blurred vision.
- Mild dizziness and bloating.
The above listed are just common side effect but the effects may become more intense if you are on multi-drug therapy. In cases where you have side effects like upper respiratory tract infection, bladder infection or urinary problems, or other cardiovascular problems like tachycardia, bradycardia or arrhythmia, then immediate doctor’s consultation must be sought. Even in cases where the person gets unexplained allergic reactions like hives, rash, itching, or eczema, or gets numbness in legs or arms (signs of stroke) then they should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Precautions must be taken when taking this contraceptive pill. Women who are smokers increase the risk of getting cardiovascular disorders especially if they are above 35. Women who had previous history of cancers, blood clots or heart attack must not take this pill. Also this pill does not protect against HIV disease.
However, this drug has many positive sides and is most commonly and for best results it must be taken under doctor’s supervision.