Loestrin 24 Fe

Extended cycle oral contraceptive. Contains ethinyl estradiol 20 g, norethindrone 1 mg Indications: - prevention of pregnancy Contraindications: - may be less effective in women > 150 lbs pregnancy-category X safety in lactation - Dosage: - 24 days of ethinyl estradiol 20 ug, 1 mg norethindrone plus 4 days of placebo Pharmacokinetics: - elimination: liver Adverse effects: 1) common (> 10%) - nausea, peripheral edema, breast enlargement, breast tenderness, anorexia, bloating 2) not common (1-10%) - vomiting, diarrhea, increased libido, headache 3) uncommon (< 1%) - intolerance to contact lenses, breast tumors, amenorrhea, alterations in mestrual flow, hypertension, thromboembolism, stroke, myocardial infarction, edema, depression, dizziness, anxiety, chloasma, melasma, rash, hyperglycemia, GI distress, increased serum triglycerides, increased LDL, cholestatic jaundice, increased susceptibility to Candida infection Drug interactions: - barbiturates, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, griseofulvin, penicillins, phenytoin, rifampin, tetracyclines

References

Prescriber's Letter 13(4): 2006 Hormonal Contraception Detail-Document#: 220415 (subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com

Components

ethinyl estradiol norethindrone (Norlutate, Aygestin, Micronor)