Switching From Loestrin 24 Fe To Minastrin 24 Fe (Page 15)
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Hey Guys!
So I went to the pharmacy to pick up my monthly pack of LoEstrin 24 Fe two weeks ago, only to find out that the makers of LoEstrin 24 Fe discontinued the pills and are replacing it with Minastrin 24 Fe. (I am VERY disappointed to report that I was NEVER notified of the discontinuation, as my reproductive health care is apparently not a priority of my pharmacy or my doctor). My pharmacist says it's the same pill as it is made by the same company and contains the same amount of hormones in it, the only difference is that this pill is chewable. The pharmacist then proceeded to tell me that she would be happy to fill in the prescription for me expect that since she could not get a hold of my doctor to approve the Minastrin, I could not purchase it which caused me to start my pack late. I was supposed start the new pack on a Sunday at 9pm but did not start it until Monday morning at 10:40am when the pharmacist finally got a hold of my doctor (this would put me at taking the pill roughly 13 hours late). I then proceeded to take my normal dosage for Monday night at 9pm. When my boyfriend and I are sexually active we always use condoms and pull out, in addition to taking the pills but since I started my pack late, I'm very worried that my birth control pills aren't effective. I haven't been sexually active at all this month because I'm too nervous about an unplanned pregnancy. The pharmacist told me that as long as I double up on taking two pills on Monday (which is what I did) I should be fine and no additional contraceptive is needed but the nurse at my gyno's office says that the pills won't be effective for two weeks and that during that time I need to use another form of contraception. I don't know who to believe! Does anyone have any insight on this, or has anyone been through something like this while making the switch from LoEstrin 24 Fe to Minastrin 24 Fe? Is there a high possiblity that a pregnancy could occur if I decide to become sexually active this month, as I started the new pill pack late? Thanks for your help!

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There is a lot of confusion about this but It needs to be chewed to be most effective!! (Per pharmacist and manufacturer themselves!) I work in a pharmacy and we didn't know this was coming either, so everyone was surprised. I also had to switch to Minastrin and am not happy! The only upside so far is that they do offer the $24 discount card to anyone who is not currently on government funded insurance (I.e. Medicaid, Medicare, etc)

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Having some of the same issues. I feel like my hormones are all over the place and the symptoms have become unbearable. I do not believe the chemical makeup is the same because I never had issues with Loestrin. I cannot take Minastrin any longer...I hope there is an adequate substitute!

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Do you chew the pill???? My doctor told me that I can swallow the pill but the I read on the prescription information on Minastrin 24 FE webpage that the tablet should be chewed and swallowed. I don't get it! Chew first and then swallow? HELP!!!

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My GYNO told me that he highly recommends Minastrin. It is a great pill and your period should last at most 2 days.
Well I am in the last week of my first pack, a little nervous to get my first period with this new pill. My only complaint so far besides the chewing, is that my acne has become worse than it ever has been.

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I had to switch to Minastrin too, since Loestrin 24 fe is no longer being produced, and I am not happy. This is my third week on Minastrin and I do not feel like myself. I'm having anxiety, trouble sleeping, and I feel at times emotional for no reason. I have already contacted my doctor to switch and they have prescribed Loestrin 1/20. I'm HOPING that i will feel better soon!

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Same here! Im bloated which is probably why ive gone up in weight, and ive been a sobbing depressive mess!!! Bring back loestrin!!!

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I also switched from Loestrin to Minastrin. No choice obviously since Loestrin is not in production anymore. The new Minastrin makes me want to cry for no reason at all and I have gained weight. I have not had any spotting yet but just thought I would share my experience on this pill so far. I was switched to a generic and had a difficult time as well. I want my loestrin back! lol Anybody tried any other birth control options that have worked for them?

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Also wondering the same thing. Picked up my pack today, and after reading, I'm not sure if I want to take it!

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All I can say is pretty much the same thing happened to me except I was 3 days late in getting mine (my doctors office was closed for some kind of training thing!) I really dislike the chewable part and I was told that if I don't chew it it will not work. So about a week and a half into my pack I got my period. And it didn't stop until I started my new pack! I was so pissed, extra hormonal and going nuts! So the makers of my old birth control thought it would be cool to totally screw up my month. I don't know if it's been protecting me this whole time but I guess they had that covered with my 3 week period, I couldn't have sex if I wanted to!

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