You're not logged in. Please log in to earn stock or Bitcoin rewards on your prescription purchase.
Estrostep Fe
Estrostep Fe is a combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone acetate (a progestin). It is used to prevent pregnancy and may also be prescribed to treat acne in women over the age of 15 who want oral contraception and have begun menstruating. In addition to birth control, it may help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps, and decrease the risk of ovarian cysts. Estrostep Fe also includes ferrous fumarate (iron) tablets, which are inactive pills taken during the placebo week.
Rx. Enter your prescription
How would you like to get your prescription? Select an option
Pharmacy pickup
Select from 35,000 pharmacies
Free two-day delivery
Coming soon!
Find a pharmacy near you. Enter your ZIP code
Are you a member? Sign up or log in.
Members have saved
$NaN
using our savings card for instant savings.
Don't pay full retail price and miss out on potential savings. Try it now—you have nothing to lose!
NaNM
worth of Satoshi has been rewarded to our members.
Everyone who signs up enjoys the benefits of earning FREE Bitcoin with every purchase.
How much Bitcoin can you earn with Estrostep Fe ?
The potential for Bitcoin rewards to increase and appreciate in value is a possibility to consider, which may occur over time.
See the value of your savings today
Today's Value
1 Bitcoin = $NaN
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Adjust Bitcoin's potential value to see how much it could be worth
Potential Value
1 Bitcoin =
Bitcoin (BTC)
...
USD
$NaN
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I miss a pill?
If you miss one active pill, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular dosing schedule. If you miss two or more pills, follow the instructions in the package insert, and use a backup form of contraception (such as condoms) for at least 7 days.
Can Estrostep Fe help with acne?
Yes, Estrostep Fe is FDA-approved for treating moderate acne in women who also desire oral contraception and meet certain criteria (age 15 or older, started menstruating, and no contraindications).
Does Estrostep Fe cause weight gain?
Some women may experience weight changes while taking Estrostep Fe, but significant weight gain is uncommon. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage weight.
Can I use Estrostep Fe while breastfeeding?
Estrostep Fe is not recommended during breastfeeding, as it may decrease milk production. A progestin-only pill or non-hormonal contraception is often preferred for nursing mothers.
Is it safe to smoke while taking Estrostep Fe?
No, smoking while using combination oral contraceptives like Estrostep Fe significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events, especially in women over 35.
Comprehensive Drug Guide
How Does Estrostep Fe Work?
Estrostep Fe prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries), altering the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, and changing the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching. The combination of estrogen and progestin ensures effective contraception when taken as directed.
What is Estrostep Fe Used For?
Common Dosages
Estrostep Fe is taken in a 28-day cycle:
- Days 1-21: Active pills containing varying doses of ethinyl estradiol (0.02 mg, 0.03 mg, or 0.035 mg) combined with norethindrone acetate (1 mg).
- Days 22-28: Inactive pills containing 75 mg ferrous fumarate (iron supplement), which have no contraceptive effect.
Typical Dosing
FDA Approved Indications
- Prevention of pregnancy.
- Treatment of moderate acne in females who are 15 years or older, have started menstruating, and desire contraception.
Who Shouldn't Take Estrostep Fe?
- Known hypersensitivity to ethinyl estradiol, norethindrone, or any components of the formulation.
- History of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
- Stroke or heart attack.
- Liver disease or liver tumors.
- Breast cancer or other estrogen/progestin-dependent cancers.
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- Migraines with aura.
Advice From The Pharmacist
- Take the pill at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions in the package insert for missed pills to prevent pregnancy.
- If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, the effectiveness of the pill may be reduced. Use a backup form of contraception (such as condoms) if you have gastrointestinal issues.
- Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events, especially in women over 35. Avoid smoking while using Estrostep Fe.
- Iron pills included in the pack do not have contraceptive effects but provide additional iron during the placebo week.
Side Effects of Estrostep Fe
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Weight gain or changes in appetite
- Mood changes
Uncommon/Severe Side Effects
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
- Stroke or heart attack
- Liver problems (evidenced by jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain)
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Risks and Warnings of Estrostep Fe
- Blood Clot Risk: Estrostep Fe can increase the risk of developing blood clots, particularly in women who smoke and are over 35 years old. This risk is also higher in women with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
- Cardiovascular Events: Combination oral contraceptives can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and hypertension, especially in older women who smoke.
- Cancer Risks: Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may be associated with a slight increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancer, though the risk decreases after stopping the pill.
Interactions with Estrostep Fe
Common Drug Interactions
- Antibiotics (e.g., rifampin): May decrease the effectiveness of Estrostep Fe, increasing the risk of pregnancy.
- Anticonvulsants: Certain seizure medications can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
- St. John’s Wort: May reduce the effectiveness of Estrostep Fe.
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Estrostep Fe may affect the effectiveness of blood thinners.
Alternatives to Estrostep Fe
- Loestrin Fe: Another combination oral contraceptive containing norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol.
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen: A combination birth control pill containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate.
- NuvaRing: A vaginal ring that delivers estrogen and progestin for birth control.
- Depo-Provera: An injectable form of birth control containing progestin (without estrogen).
- IUD (Intrauterine Device): A long-term birth control option available as hormonal or non-hormonal (copper).
