Loestrin and Lo loestrin are popular birth control pills. These come under the contraceptive category of “oral contraceptives”. Loestrin and Lo loestrin both contain a combination of female sex hormones and vitamins. These pills can regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent egg release from the ovary. So even in the presence of sperms, since there is no egg to fertilize no pregnancy will take place. These drugs can also harden the cervical mucus challenging the sperms reaching the uterus.
Loestrin
Loestrin comes as a pack of pills. This comes under the combined category because the pills are a combination of ethinyl estradiol, progestin and ferrous fumarate as a mineral supplement. Loestrin is a monophasic birth control pill because the hormone levels are maintained at a certain stage throughout a menstrual cycle. A pack of Loestrin contains 21 day supply of estrogen, progesterone and a 7 day supply of mineral (Fe). An active tablet contains 0.02mg of ethinyl estradiol, 1mg of norethindrone acetate.
A woman, who suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes, severe migraine etc. or has a history of breast cancer or uterine cancer should not take Loestrin, or should seek medical advice before using. Loestrin should not be used by pregnant women or women who recently gave birth. A breastfeeding mother should also avoid Loestrin because it gets transmitted via breast milk and may harm the baby. A first time user should use back-up birth control like condoms etc. because it takes some time for the body to adjust to hormone tablets. When taking the pills, it should be done regularly and accurately since missing a pill increases the chance of pregnancy. Some drugs such as antibiotics, seizure medication, AIDS and Hepatitis C medication may decrease the effect of the pills.
Lo Loestrin
Lo loestrin is also a combined drug. Lo loestrin is a triphasic drug because the hormone levels are maintained in 3 identifiable stages per menstrual cycle. An active pill contains 0.01mg of ethinyl estradiol and 1mg of norethindrone. This also contains ferrous fumarate supplement. The usage limitations are similar to loestrin’s. That is pregnant women or women with high blood pressure, diabetes, migraine, breast cancer, irregular menstrual cycles, liver diseases etc. must seek medical advice before usage. Lo loestrin has similar side effects like loestrin, but side effects due to estragon may be less due to the low concentration. However, serious side effects like numbness in a side of the body, chest pain, wheezing, nausea, depression symptoms and minor side effects like loss of scalp hair, vaginal discharges, lowered sex drive etc. may occur in response to both pills.
Loestrin vs Lo Loestrin
• Loestrin is a monophasic birth control pill but Lo loestrin is a triphasic birth control pill.
• Loestrin contains high estrogen concentration (0.02mg of ethinyl estradiol) than Lo loestrin (0.01mg of ethinyl estradiol).
• Loestrin contains Norethindrone acetate as a progestin but Lo loestrin contains Norethindrone as a progestin.
• The side effects due to estragon are higher in Loestrin due to the high concentration of estragon than it is in Lo Loestrin.