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What Was Loestrin 24 Fe?

Loestrin 24 Fe was a prescription combined oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. The U.S. trade name is discontinued, but the same 24-active and four-placebo dosing pattern remains represented by current products. Each active tablet contained 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol.

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What Was Loestrin 24 Fe?

Loestrin 24 Fe was a prescription combined oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. The U.S. trade name is discontinued, but the same 24-active and four-placebo dosing pattern remains represented by current products. Each active tablet contained 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol.

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How Did Loestrin 24 Fe Prevent Pregnancy?

The estrogen and progestin suppress pituitary gonadotropins and inhibit ovulation. They also change cervical mucus and the uterine lining. The four ferrous fumarate tablets were nonhormonal placebos and were not intended to treat iron deficiency.

Who Used Loestrin 24 Fe?

Loestrin 24 Fe was indicated for pregnancy prevention in females of reproductive potential. It was contraindicated in women older than 35 who smoke and in patients with selected clotting disorders, vascular disease, liver disease, certain hormone-sensitive cancers, or unexplained uterine bleeding. It did not prevent sexually transmitted infections.

How Was Loestrin 24 Fe Taken?

One tablet was taken by mouth at the same time every day for 28 days. The first 24 tablets contained 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol each, followed by four brown placebo tablets containing 75 mg ferrous fumarate each. A new pack began the day after the last placebo tablet.

What Serious Risks Were Linked to Loestrin 24 Fe?

Loestrin 24 Fe carried a boxed warning for cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events. The risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack increases among smokers, particularly after age 35. Other concerns included elevated blood pressure, liver problems, irregular bleeding, and drug interactions that reduce contraceptive activity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loestrin 24 Fe

What was Loestrin 24 Fe used for?

Loestrin 24 Fe was a combined oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy.

How was each 28-day pack arranged?

Each 28-day pack contained 24 active hormone tablets followed by four nonhormonal ferrous fumarate tablets.

Is Loestrin 24 Fe still marketed under its original trade name?

No. The original U.S. trade name is discontinued, although other products use the same hormone strengths and 24-and-four regimen.

What did the boxed warning address?

It warned of serious cardiovascular risks from cigarette smoking, especially in women older than 35.

References

DailyMed - LOESTRIN 24 FE (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, and ferrous fumarate) kit. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4cafa90a-9903-40d0-b8be-6ad78018b4b6. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone (Oral Contraceptives). MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601050.html. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

LOESTRIN 24 Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets) Prescribing Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/021871s013lbl.pdf. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Capsules and Ferrous Fumarate Capsules. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=3e608414-5e64-4c69-a9e0-365904cf7df8. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets and Ferrous Fumarate Tablets. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Norethindrone-Acetate-and-Ethinyl-Estradiol-Tablets-and-Ferrous-Fumarate-Tablets. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.