Are you aware of these birth control pills (Lo Minastrin Fe)?

Many times, doctors and women recommend birth control pills for family planning or for some hormonal problems, right? One such pill is this one, which is made up of three ingredients: `Norethindrone Acetate`, ` Ethinyl Estradiol` and `Ferrous Fumarate` (a type of iron ). You may know it by the brand name `(Lo Minastrin Fe)`. So, today we will talk about this pill , what it does, how exactly it is used, and what you need to be careful about.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this is a birth control pill. That is, it basically stops your body from releasing eggs, or ``ovulation''. If an egg is not released, there is no way you can get pregnant. It artificially gives your body two types of hormones (``estrogen'' and `` progestin ''). This pill contains ``Norethindrone Acetate'' (a type of ``progestin'') and ``Ethinyl Estradiol '' (a type of ``estrogen'').

In addition, this pill pack also contains iron-containing pills called `Ferrous Fumarate`. Some birth control pills can reduce the amount of blood that comes out during menstruation, or some people can develop iron deficiency , which is why these iron pills are also given. It provides the body with the necessary amount of iron.

Doctors can sometimes use this medicine for other things, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start using these birth control pills, there are some conditions that you should definitely tell your doctor or nurse about, as using these medications with these conditions can be dangerous.

Here are some such situations:

• If you have unusual vaginal bleeding (without knowing the exact cause).
• If you have a blood vessel disease or a problem with blood clots .
• If you have or have had cancer of the breast, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, liver, or uterus ,
• If you have diabetes (`Diabetes Mellitus`) .
• If you have gallbladder disease .
• If you are going to have surgery in the future .
• Heart disease , or if you have recently had a heart attack .
• If you have high blood pressure .
• If the level of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood is high .
• If you have previously had an irregular heartbeat or a heart valve problem .
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have migraine headaches .
• If you have a problem that affects blood clotting, such as `Protein C/S deficiency`.
• If you have recently had a baby, had a miscarriage, or had an abortion .
• If you have had a stroke .
• If you have a condition called `Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).`
• This is very important if you are a tobacco smoker (especially if you are over 35).
• If you have an allergic reaction to estrogen, progestin, other medications, foods, or preservatives.
• If you are currently pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are breastfeeding .

If any of these apply to you, please tell your doctor so they can decide what is best for you.

How exactly do you take this pill?

It is very important to use this correctly.

• You should take one pill every day, at the same time, and in the order indicated on the packet.
• This medicine packet contains some pills that you should chew and swallow, and some that you should swallow whole . The first 24 pills in the packet should be chewed well and swallowed. Swallow the chewed pill with a glass of water. The last 4 pills in the packet should be swallowed whole.
• Some people may feel nauseous after taking this. To reduce this, you can take this pill with food .
• Only take as directed by your doctor, and do not drink more than the recommended amount.

When you are prescribed this medicine, you will receive a patient package insert . You will receive it with every prescription and each time you get a refill. You should always read it carefully, as the information in it may change from time to time.

Can this be given to young children?

Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for young girls who have started menstruating. But it requires special care. Therefore, it should be done only under the advice of a doctor.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Remember, this medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.

What do you do if you forget to take a pill?

If you forget to take a pill, see the patient information sheet that came with the medicine for advice on what to do. If you forget to take more than one pill, the contraceptive effect of this medicine may be reduced. If this happens, you will need to use another method of contraception (for example, condoms). Ask your doctor for advice about this too.

Be careful when taking other medications with this medicine!

These birth control pills can interact with some other medications. That is, one medication can affect the way another works. This can increase side effects or decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Do not take this birth control pill with the following medications:

• ``Dasabuvir; ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir`
• ``Ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir`

Also, the following medications may interact with this birth control pill:

• `Acetaminophen` (paracetamol)
• Antibiotics or medicines for infections (e.g. rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, griseofulvin)
• `Aprepitant`
• Vitamin C (`Ascorbic acid`)
• `Atorvastatin` (a cholesterol-lowering drug)
• Barbiturate medications (e.g. phenobarbital)
• `Bosentan`
• `Carbamazepine`
• Caffeine
• `Clofibrate`
• `Cyclosporine`
• `Dantrolene`
• `Doxercalciferol`
• `Felbamate`
• Grapefruit juice
• `Hydrocortisone`
• Medicines for anxiety or insomnia (e.g. diazepam, temazepam)
• Diabetes medication
• `Mineral oil`
• `Modafinil`
• `Mycophenolate`
• `Nefazodone`
• `Oxcarbazepine`
• `Phenytoin`
• `Prednisolone`
• Ritonavir or other medicines for HIV/AIDS
• `Rosuvastatin`
• `Selegiline`
• Soy isoflavone supplements
• St. John's Wort (this is an herb)
• ``Tamoxifen'' or ``raloxifene''
• `Theophylline`
• Thyroid hormones
• `Topiramate`
• `Warfarin` (a blood thinner)

This list does not include all interactions. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.

Things you should pay attention to when using this medicine:

When taking these birth control pills, you need to be careful about a few other things.

• See your doctor for regular check-ups. You should have regular breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap smears while taking this medicine.
• During the first month (`first cycle`) when you start using these pills, it is a good idea to use an additional form of birth control (e.g. condoms).
• If you think you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine immediately and call your doctor .
• If you are taking this medication for another hormonal issue, it may take several months to see improvement in that condition.
• Smoking greatly increases the risk of blood clots or stroke while taking these birth control pills. This risk is especially high if you are over 35 years old. Therefore, you are strongly advised not to smoke.
• This medicine may increase your body's ability to retain water (`fluid retention`). This means that your fingers, hands, and ankles may swell. Your blood pressure may also increase. Tell your doctor if you feel this way.
• This medicine may make your skin sensitive to the sun. Therefore, limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
• If you wear contact lenses, if you notice a change in your vision or feel uncomfortable wearing your contact lenses, see your eye doctor.
• Some women may experience pain, swelling, or slight bleeding of the gums . If this happens, tell your dentist. This can be reduced by brushing and flossing your teeth well. See your dentist regularly and inform him or her about the medications you are taking.
• If you are having elective surgery, ask your doctor if you should stop taking this medicine before the procedure.
• This medicine does not protect you from HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections. You must use additional protection methods.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's good to be aware of them.

Things to inform your doctor immediately

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Blood clot - leg pain, swelling, or warmth, shortness of breath, chest pain.
• Gallbladder problems - severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever.
• Increase in blood pressure.
• Liver injury - pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue.
• New or worsening migraines or headaches.
• Stroke symptoms - sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision.
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor.
• Worsening of mood, feelings such as depression.

Usually not serious, but if it's bothersome, tell your doctor.

These side effects are usually not serious, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor :

• Breast pain or tenderness.
• Dark patches of skin on the face or other areas exposed to the sun.
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting.
• Nausea.
• Stomach pain.

This list does not include all possible side effects. Talk to your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

How do you keep medicine safe?

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Discard expired medication without using it.

The most important thing for you to remember is

This is only a summary. It may not contain all the information. If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Never start or stop taking a medicine without your doctor's advice. Always follow your doctor's advice when making decisions about your health. Have a good day!

` Norethindrone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ferrous Fumarate, Lo Minastrin Fe, Birth Control Pills, Family Planning, Hormones, Women's Health