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General Medication Fact Sheet for Estrostep Fe
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Estrostep Fe |
| Generic Name | Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone, with Ferrous Fumarate |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. |
| Purpose | Oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. Provides supplemental iron. |
| Mechanism of Action | Prevents ovulation by suppressing gonadotropins (LH and FSH). Norethindrone thickens cervical mucus and alters the endometrium. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | Varying strengths of ethinyl estradiol (20 mcg to 30 mcg) and norethindrone (1 mg), plus 75 mg ferrous fumarate (inactive tablets) |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily for 28 days (21 active pills and 7 iron supplements) |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, headache, bloating, breast tenderness, changes in menstrual periods, weight changes |
| Serious Side Effects | Blood clots, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, liver problems, gallbladder disease, depression |
| Drug Interactions | Certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), HIV protease inhibitors, St. John’s Wort |
| Important Notes | Take at the same time each day. Consult a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headaches, vision changes, or yellowing of the skin/eyes. Regular check-ups are important. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Refer to package insert or consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions, as they vary depending on when the pill was missed. |
| Alternatives | Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Yasmin, Lo Loestrin Fe, Sprintec |
Estrostep Fe Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate) | Prevents ovulation by suppressing gonadotropins. | Triphasic combination pill. |
| Yasmin (ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone) | Prevents ovulation by suppressing gonadotropins. | Contains drospirenone, a progestin with anti-androgenic effects. |
| Lo Loestrin Fe (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone acetate) | Prevents ovulation by suppressing gonadotropins. | Very low dose of estrogen. Also includes iron supplementation. |
| Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate) | Prevents ovulation by suppressing gonadotropins. | Monophasic combination pill. |
Estrostep Fe Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) |
| Headache | Stroke |
| Breast tenderness | Heart attack |
| Changes in menstrual periods | High blood pressure |
| Weight changes | Liver problems (e.g., liver tumors) |
| Mood changes | Gallbladder disease |
Estrostep Fe Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contraception | One tablet daily | One tablet daily | Start on the first day of your period or as directed by your doctor. Take at the same time each day. Follow the order of the pills in the pack. |
Estrostep Fe Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $20 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $60 – $80 |
| From CPS | $113.78 |
