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Loestrin 21 1 / 20 Review


Loestrin 21 1 / 20 is a hormone contraceptive which is used to prevent pregnancy. Each pill contains 2 hormones: norethisterone and ethinyl estradiol.

Contents:

Indications for use

  • Contraception;
  • Treatment of menstrual disorders.

Mechanism of action

Loestrin 21 1 / 20 is a combined progestogen-estrogenic agent, which has a retarding effect on the gonadotropic function of the pituitary gland. With regular use, it blocks gonadotropin, which prevents the maturation of the ovum and ovulation, reduces the release of luteinizing hormone

Dosage and mode of application

Each pack contains 21 active tablets (20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of norethisterone). There are no inert tablets.

In the first menstrual period or with repeated use after a long pause, the contraceptive is taken on the first day of menstrual bleeding. Take 1 tablet every day for 21 days in a row. Then make a 7-day break. The interval between two doses of the drug should be 22-26 hours but no more than 36 hours. After abortion or childbirth, you must wait for the first menstruation.

Side effects

Like all hormonal drugs, Loestrin 21 1 / 20 can cause side effects. These include dizziness, upset stomach, dark stopping between menstruations, weight gain, swelling and tightening of the mammary glands, increased blood pressure, vomiting, headaches, candidiasis, chlamydia.

In some cases, the medication can change blood parameters, which can give a deceptive picture before the onset of some severe disease.

Contraindications

Loestrin 21 1 / 20 is contraindicated for use in some cases:

  • malignant tumors and neoplasms of mammary glands or reproductive organs of the small pelvis;
  • lactose intolerance (lactose monohydrate is present in the formulation);
  • period of treatment of gynecological diseases with other hormonal drugs;
  • diabetes mellitus of the first and second type;
  • chronic diseases of the liver, ducts of the gallbladder, urinary organs (kidneys, bladder);
  • hormonal or functional disorders of metabolism;
  • transferred thromboembolism, the risk of new blood clots, a violation of blood coagulability;
  • cardiovascular diseases, advanced heart attacks, strokes, blood pressure jumps;
  • women who abuse smoking and alcohol;
  • obesity of the second and third degree;
  • vaginal bleeding associated with inflammatory processes of the epithelium of the walls of the vagina;
  • sickle-cell anemia;
  • first signs of pregnancy;
  • breastfeeding period;
  • yellowness due to an increased amount of bilirubin in the blood.

Interactions

Before using the drug, you need to inform your doctor about all the drugs you are currently taking or going to take.

Loestrin 21 1 / 20 is contraindicated for joint use with the following medicines:

  • preparations for the treatment of epilepsy (carbamazepine, topiramate, pyrimidone, barbiturates);
  • antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, ofloxacin, ampicillin);
  • drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis (rifampicin, rifabutin, sodium para-aminosalicylate).

Particular attention should be paid to insulin-dependent women since norethisterone and ethinyl estradiol lower the action of insulin in the blood and may worsen the course of diabetes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Loestrin 21 1 / 20 is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What if I miss a pill?

If a delay in taking tablets exceeds 36 hours, the reliability of contraception in this period is not guaranteed.

If you miss one tablet on the first or second week of the period, you need to take 2 tablets the next day and then continue taking the drug according to the usual schedule.

If you miss two tablets in a row during the first or second week of the period, you need to take 2 tablets in the next 2 days, then continue taking the drug according to the usual schedule, using additional contraceptive methods until the end of the period.

If you miss a pill during the third week of the period, use additional contraceptive methods until the end of the period and do not make a 7-day break.

Precautions

The drug is used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, varicose veins, phlebitis, otosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, liver disease, endometriosis, Sydenham disease.

Birth control pills should be discontinued at the onset of pregnancy.

The risk of cardiovascular complications increases with smoking (especially in women over 35 years).

Before taking Loestrin 21 1 / 20, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.

The contraceptive must be discontinued 6 weeks before the planned surgical procedures.

The risk of thrombosis increases with high blood pressure.

The drug is canceled with hepatitis, jaundice, itching, cholestasis, frequent epileptic seizures, primary or secondary porphyria (a disease associated with impaired porphyrin/pigment metabolism).

Vomiting or diarrhea can lead to the withdrawal of norethisterone and ethinyl estradiol from the body, so in those cases, the tablet must be taken again. If vomiting or diarrhea persist for a longer time, you should temporarily use additional birth control methods.

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