Issn Print: 0361-1817

Publication Date: 2006/07/01


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Medication Update

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The FDA has approved a 24-day active hormonal regimen of norethindrone acetate-ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg/1 mg tablets (Loestrin 24 Fe) for oral contraception (OC) in women. According to Warner Chilcott, Inc., Loestrin 24 Fe contains the lowest level of estrogen allowed by the FDA (20 mcg per pill). The new OC is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken according to instructions.
With Loestrin 24 Fe, a woman's period starts later and bleeding is lighter, lasting on average less than 3 days. Loestrin 24 Fe is taken as 24 “active” pills instead of the typical 21. The 3 additional days of hormones result in less hormone buildup, so there is less menstrual flow. The remaining pills are iron supplements.
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