Microgestin FE Tablet – Uses, Side Effects, and More

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, get medical help right away or call a poison control center.

Microgestin Fe 1/20

Generic name: Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, and Ferrous Fumarate [ ETH-in-il-es-tra-DYE-ole, nor-eth-IN-drone, & FER-uhs-FYOO-mar-rate ]
Brand names: Blisovi 24 Fe, Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, Blisovi Fe 1/20, Estrostep Fe, Gildess 24 Fe, . show all 25 brands Gildess Fe 1.5/30, Gildess Fe 1/20, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Junel Fe 1/20, Junel Fe 24, Larin 24 Fe, Larin Fe 1.5/30, Larin Fe 1/20, Lo Loestrin Fe, Loestrin 24 Fe, Loestrin Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe 1/20, Lomedia 24 Fe, Microgestin 24 Fe, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Tarina Fe 1/20, Taytulla, Tilia Fe, Tri-Legest Fe
Drug classes: Contraceptives, Sex hormone combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 17, 2022.

Warning

• Smoking cigarettes while using Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) raises the chance of very bad heart and blood-related side effects. This chance is raised with age (mainly in women older than 35 years of age). It is also raised with the number of cigarettes smoked. It is strongly advised not to smoke. Do not use Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) if you smoke and are older than 35 years of age.

Uses of Microgestin Fe 1/20:

• It is used to prevent pregnancy.
• It is used to treat pimples (acne).
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Microgestin Fe 1/20?

For all patients taking Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate):

• If you are allergic to Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate); any part of Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have had any of these health problems: Blood clots, blood clotting problem, breast cancer or other cancer where hormones make it grow, diseased blood vessels in the brain or heart, disease of a heart valve with problems, heart disease, chest pain caused by angina, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, liver tumor, very bad headache or migraine, or diabetes that affects blood flow.
• If you have had any of these health problems: Endometrial cancer, cancer of the cervix or vagina, or vaginal bleeding where the cause is not known.
• If you are taking ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir).
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) if you are pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
• If you turned yellow during pregnancy or with estrogen-based or hormone contraceptive use.

• If your child has not had her first period.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Microgestin Fe 1/20?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. This medicine may need to be stopped before certain types of surgery as your doctor has told you. If Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) is stopped, your doctor will tell you when to start taking Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) again after your surgery or procedure.
• This medicine may raise the chance of blood clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. Talk with the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor if you will need to be still for long periods of time like long trips, bedrest after surgery, or illness. Not moving for long periods may raise your chance of blood clots.
• Some studies have shown the risk of breast cancer is raised in women taking birth control pills, especially at a younger age. The risk was also linked to how long the birth control pills were taken. One study showed the risk was also raised in women who took birth control pills within the past 10 years.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This medicine may raise blood sugar.
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• High blood pressure has happened with drugs like this one. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Be sure to have regular breast exams and gynecology check-ups. You will also need to do breast self-exams as you have been told.
• If you are allergic to tartrazine, talk with your doctor. Some products have tartrazine.
• If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate).
• Certain drugs, herbal products, or health problems could cause Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) to not work as well. Be sure your doctor knows about all of your drugs and health problems.
• This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine may raise the chance of blood clots. The chance is highest during the first year of using Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate). The chance is also highest when starting to use hormone-based birth control again after not using it for 4 weeks or more. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are taking Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) for pimples (acne), you need to be at least 15 years of age.
• If you have any signs of pregnancy or if you have a positive pregnancy test, call your doctor right away.

How is this medicine (Microgestin Fe 1/20) best taken?

Use Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) at the same time of day.
• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• If you also take colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours before or after you take Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate).
• After starting Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate), you may need to use a non-hormone type of birth control like condoms to prevent pregnancy for some time. Follow what your doctor has told you to do about using a non-hormone type of birth control.
• Do not skip doses, even if you do not have sex very often.
• If you throw up or have diarrhea, Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use an extra form of birth control, like condoms, until you check with your doctor.
• If you miss 2 periods in a row, take a pregnancy test before starting a new cycle.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If a dose is missed, check the package insert or call the doctor to find out what to do. If using Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate) to prevent pregnancy, another form of birth control may need to be used for some time to prevent pregnancy.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; yellow skin or eyes; fever with chills; bloating; or very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Depression or other mood changes.
• Swelling.
• A lump in the breast, breast pain or soreness, or nipple discharge.
• Vaginal itching or discharge.
• Eyesight changes or loss, bulging eyes, or change in how contact lenses feel.
• Spotting or vaginal bleeding that is very bad or does not go away.
• Call your doctor right away if you have signs of a blood clot like chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; swelling, warmth, numbness, change of color, or pain in a leg or arm; or trouble speaking or swallowing.

What are some other side effects of Microgestin Fe 1/20?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling more or less hungry.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach cramps.
• Bloating.
• Enlarged breasts.
• Tender breasts.
• This medicine may cause dark patches of skin on your face. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• Period (menstrual) changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Microgestin Fe 1/20?

• Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Microgestin Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, and ferrous fumarate), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Birth control. Do I have to take the brown pills?
• Microgestin Fe 1/20 – Breakthrough bleeding or period, with cramps, while taking active Microgestin?

More about Microgestin Fe 1 / 20 (ethinyl estradiol / norethindrone)

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Microgestin FE Tablet – Uses, Side Effects, and More

Do not use this medication if you smoke cigarettes/use tobacco and are over 35 years old. Smoking raises your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure from hormonal birth control (such as the pill, patch, ring). The risk of these serious problems increases with age and with the number of cigarettes you smoke. Do not smoke or use tobacco.

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, get medical help right away or call a poison control center.

Warnings:

Do not use this medication if you smoke cigarettes/use tobacco and are over 35 years old. Smoking raises your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure from hormonal birth control (such as the pill, patch, ring). The risk of these serious problems increases with age and with the number of cigarettes you smoke. Do not smoke or use tobacco.

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, get medical help right away or call a poison control center.

Uses

This combination hormone medication is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). There is a small amount of iron (ferrous fumarate) in each of the 7 inactive tablets taken during the fourth week. The inactive pills do not contain any hormones. These tablets are meant to keep you in the habit of taking 1 tablet each day and do not have enough iron to treat iron deficiency.Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills may make your periods more regular, decrease blood loss and painful periods, decrease your risk of ovarian cysts, and also treat acne.Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

How to use Microgestin FE Tablet

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on when to take your pills and what to do if you miss a dose. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Pick a time of day that is easy for you to remember, and take your pill at the same time each day.

If you are taking the chewable tablet, you may either swallow it whole or chew it thoroughly and swallow.

It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the package instructions to find the first tablet, start with the first tablet in the pack, and take them in the correct order. Do not skip any doses. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual.

Vomiting or diarrhea can prevent your birth control pills from working well. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, you may need to use a back-up birth control method (such as condoms, spermicide). Follow the directions in the Patient Information Leaflet and check with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have any stomach upset or nausea with the medication. You may choose to take this medication at another time of day that is easier for you to remember. No matter what dosing schedule you use, it is very important that you take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Your pill pack contains 21 pills with active medication. It also contains 7 reminder pills with iron. Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 21 days in a row. Take one inactive pill (with iron) once daily for 7 days in a row after you have taken the last active pill unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You should have your period during the fourth week of the pack. After you have taken the last iron tablet in the pack, start a new pack the next day whether or not you have your period. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor.

If you are taking certain medications (such as levodopa, levothyroxine, penicillamine, tetracyclines, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin) that can interact with iron, ask your doctor whether you should throw away the reminder pills (iron tablets) each day rather than taking them. Iron can decrease the effect of these medications.

If this is the first time you are using this medication and you are not switching from another form of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills), take the first tablet in the pack on the first Sunday following the beginning of your menstrual period or on the first day of your period. If your period begins on a Sunday, begin taking this medication on that day. For the first cycle of use only, use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work. If you start on the first day of your period, you do not need to use back-up birth control the first week.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about how to switch from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as patch, other birth control pills) to this product. If any information is unclear, consult the Patient Information Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.

Microgestin FE 1/20 (Loestrin FE 1/20)

Please note that Microgestin FE 1/20 is supplied in a 3-month supply and for out-of-pocket payments will be charged every 3 months.

If you prefer this specific medication, let your provider know the medication name and strength in the preference section of the health assessment.

Why Nurx?

Free, fast shipping with automatic refills. Easily pause or cancel anytime

FDA approved medication & affordable out-of-pocket prices

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Product details

Take control of your reproductive health with Microgestin FE 1/20, a combination type birth control medication that contains progestin and estrogen. If you have had adverse side effects with birth control medications in the past or you are new to taking them, Microgestin FE 1/20 might be a good option for you. Microgestin FE 1/20 can also reduce the length and heaviness of your periods.

Recommended for:

✓ Lighter and less painful periods

✓ Women who are iron deficient

✓ Women who are sensitive to estrogen

We also charge a $25 medication consultation, which includes unlimited access to our medical team for a full year.

Brand name:
Loestrin FE 1/20

Generic versions:
Junel Fe 1/20, Gildess Fe 1/20, Larin Fe 1/20, Tarina Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20

Pricing without Insurance Array

Additional Details

• Regulates periods
• Prevents pregnancy
• Low dose estrogen
• Decreases blood loss
• Prevents egg fertilization
• Contains iron

• 21 active + 7 inactive

• Norethindrone [progestin] (1 mg)
• Ethinyl Estradiol [estrogen] (0.02 mg)

• Not intended for smokers over the age of 35.
• Discuss with a healthcare provider if you have a history of high blood pressure.
• Not intended for pregnant women.
• Not intended for women who have recently given birth.

FAQ

You will take one dose of Microgestin FE 1/20 daily, at the same time each day. It is important to take the pills in order, as the first 21 pills contain hormones and the last 7 pills are reminder pills that only contain iron. Your period should start once you begin the reminder iron pills.

Yes! At Nurx, we often recommend Microgestin FE 1/20 because of its low risk of side effects. Because it has less estrogen than other birth control medications, you can enjoy things such as lighter and more regular of periods, without the uncomfortable side effects. Microgestin FE 1/20 does require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Fortunately, Nurx makes this process as convenient as possible. We work with doctors in each of the states we service, allowing you to get your birth control medications without the inconveniences of a traditional doctor’s office visit. We accept most insurance plans and offer affordable prices if you do not have health insurance. Your Microgestin FE 1/20 will arrive at your home in a completely discreet package.

You should always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new medication. Although rare, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to birth control medications including Microgestin FE. Your healthcare or Nurx provider can help you evaluate your likeliness to experience a reaction. Allergic reaction symptoms might include rash, itching, facial swelling, and trouble breathing.

Every new medication comes with the risk of side effects. However, most of the side effects of birth control are mild and uncommon. Side effects might include nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, weight changes, facial skin darkening, headache, and blood spotting. Although serious side effects of birth control are extremely rare, a few have been documented. These include blood clots, vision changes, migraines, and stroke. Always discuss your use of birth control medications with your healthcare provider if you have a history of high blood pressure.

In general, yes. Microgestin FE 1/20 is safe with most over-the-counter and prescription medications. However, because the reminder pills contain iron, it is important to avoid any medications that might interact with iron. Also, some medications can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pills so it is important to discuss any potential interactions with your healthcare provider.

Smoking should be avoided when taking Microgestin FE 1/20, especially for women that are over the age of 35. Smoking increases your chance of experiencing potentially serious side effects, including blood clots and heart attack.

We are doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and physician assistants who are passionate about providing patient care. The Nurx medical team believes that everyone deserves access to personalized, non-judgmental healthcare, and that open and honest communication is key.