Loestrin is a brand name prescription medication sold under various trade names including Loestrin24 Fe. It is an oral contraceptive. The active ingredients are ethinyl estradiol, also known as estrogen, and norethindrone acetate, also known as progestin. A package of tablets contains both tablets with active ingredients and placebos.
Cardiovascular and Blood-Related Side Effects
Cardiovascular and blood-related side effects are uncommon and include high blood calcium, high blood pressure, blood clot in the vein, disorders of the blood vessels in the brain, blood clot in an artery going to the lungs, blood clot in the vein that carries blood from the eye and other blood clot events.
The drug manufacturer warns that smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35 and heavy smokers.
Neurological Side Effects
Common neurological side effects include headache and mood swings. Less common side effects include depression, seizures, changes in the shape of the eye, migraine headache, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, involuntary muscle movements, severe drowsiness, bulging of the eyeball, double vision and loss of vision.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Common gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps and vomiting. Less common side effects include sudden inflammation of the pancreas and intestinal inflammation. According to 2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, a component of Loestrin can cause the side effect of a benign, but life-threatening, liver tumor.
Reproductive Side Effects
Common reproductive side effects include vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginitis, changes in level of sexual interest, menstrual cramps, painful menstrual cycle, changes in menstrual flow, irregular vaginal bleeding, lack of menstrual cycle, changes in cervical cells, enlargement of the glands of the endometrium and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Skin-Related Side Effects
Common skin-related side effects of Loestrin include sensitivity to sunlight, dark discoloration on the face and acne. Less common side effects include yellowed skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, rash, loss of scalp hair, skin inflammation, hives, excessive hair growth, bleeding from the skin, skin lesions and red, tender nodules just under the skin.
Other Side Effects
Other common side effects include sinus infection, upper-respiratory infection, retaining fluid, weight gain and urinary tract infection. Less common side effects include fever, decreased tolerance to glucose and swelling of the hands, feet or legs. According to the drug manufacturer, an allergic reaction can occur, manifested by hives, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat and severe respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms.
References
- 2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide: Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate
- Warner Chilcott: Loestrin24 Fe Prescribing Information
- Drugs.com: Loestrin Fe
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