Switching From Loestrin 24 Fe To Minastrin 24 Fe (Top voted first)

Updated

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!

289 Replies (15 Pages)

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7

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!!!

Was this helpful? 93
3

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?

Was this helpful? 27
10

I never had any issues on Loestrin. Actually, it was so great that I always FORGOT that I was on my period. I switched to Minastrin about 3 weeks ago and I'm absolutely miserable. I have a stomach ache every single morning and I have diarrhea on and off. I haven't had an appetite since I started taking this pill and constantly feel either nauseous or like I have indigestion. I've even been experiencing acid reflux. I am calling my doctor tomorrow because I can't take another day of this.

Was this helpful? 16
6

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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11

I have a feeling this is a marketing scheme by the manufacturers to avoid
a generic being produced. Loestrin 24 has been on the market since 2006 and after 12 years other companies can start making generics. So great marketing scheme to guard their patent.
Same company manufactures the same formula but changes the name and manner
of ingestion. Brilliant!!!

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62

I'm so glad I found this forum. I've been taking Minastrin 24 FE since October (when loestrin 24 was discontinued). I have not had a period since then. The first month I had some light spotting in the middle of the month, but I have had nothing since then. Out of sheer panic, I took a pregnancy test, and it came back negative. I have had increased headaches and fatigue, and very vivid dreams where I see something that seems real. I've also had swollen breasts and bloating. Any suggestions for switching pills?

Was this helpful? 9
4

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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22

My first month on ministries 24 Fe as i stated above in my previous post. My cycle started on Wednesday and here it is Monday and I'm still having the "your period is almost over type discharge." i had actual bleeding for at least 2 days. Not sure why I'm not off yet. Has anyone else experienced this on there first cycle with this pill?

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44

I just got on the pill. I wasn't currently on anything. I have been experiencing pregnancy like symptoms. My breast are constantly tingling. Nausea . Headache everyday all day. Super emotional. And frequent unrination. I am not pregnant but I keep thinking I am. I'm glad to know that it is probably the b.c. Is anyone else feeling tingling in their breast because that is my biggest concern?

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26

I'm losing my hair. One and a half months on minastrin Fe, and I have lost half my head of hair. Same ingredients ? Sure ok

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30

Hi guys, I started minastrin last month after being on loest for years was suppose to get my prriod last week, it never came. Naturally I ran to cvs after s night of prayer and no sleep to get a prego test..it was negative thank goodness. Still no period? Did anyone else experiencd this? I am so emotional, I burst into tears at work on friday sobbing uncontrollably running to the bathroom.. I also experienced nausea. I am suppose to start my new cycle today, but after reading the other issues with this pill I really dont want to...wish I could send it back to the company that made itand get my money back , so I can try something else rather..

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47

I'm also experiencing severe acne, random cramps, emotional instability, and slight weight gain. I don't know what to do, Loestrin24FE was the only BC that I've ever been on. Any other recommendations for similar bcs? Same issue with yeast infection-type symptoms as well! This pill has been horrible! Other options? Ideas?

Was this helpful? 6
140

I just wanted to review Lomedia 24 Fe. I was on Loestrin 24 Fe for 2 1/2 years and loved it. No side effects. Like everyone else, I was switched to Minastrin when loestrin was discontinued. I didn't have periods on Loestrin and didn't get them on Minastrin either. However, every month on Minastrin my face broke out more and more. I've never had acne, but this is the worst my face has ever looked! My doctor switched me to Lomedia 24, and in 6 days of taking it, my face has almost completely cleared up. I have had no problems with lomedia, so if you're having problems on Minastrin, I would recommend trying Lomedia.

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16

So Super Pissed and Freaking out when I went to re/fill Lo24 only pill I have Ever taken was on for 3yrs.... Decided with much hesitation to give Minastein24 a chance "chewable" idea freaked me out but both Dr. And Pharmacy said I can swallow it..so thats what I have been doing 3rd week now!.. first week a few mild headaches and now night after night Experiencing the most Crazy Vivid DREAMS! PLEASE ANYONE else having this??? I Have Never Been A Big Dreamer So This Not Deep Sleep is Driving Me Crazy!!!.... Otherwise I Have Felt Great Hoping It Stays That Way!

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17

I too am having the same issue..there are artificial sweeteners as the inactive ingredients in the new pill so that it can be flavored to be chewable...that can cause stomach issues..artificial sweeteners have been know to cause all sorts of issues. The people with vivid dreams can also possibly be experiencing that from the inactive ingredients. I am on my 2nd month and asking to switch. have had weight gain, bloat, cramping, etc etc...pretty much every known side effect..loestrin 24 was my fave...possibly going to try desogen again...was on it years ago, or loestrin 1/20...hope to find a solution!

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18

iris17: i did not start my pack late;however, i was changing from a different pill as well. i was suppose to start loesterin 24 Fe but like everyone else, no one new it was discontinued. i am on my last week of minasterin24 Fe right now. i have taken my 2nd iron pill and am awaiting my cycle. i'm a little nervous because I'm not sure what to expect. i have not been having any issues with weight gain, bloat or anxiety at the moment. i am still monitoring everything as this is my first month on these pills. i had been off BCs for about 5 yrs or so (always use condoms) and needed something to help regulate my cycle and symptoms so i was placed in tricycline. it wasn't very effective for me (as far as regulating everything). spoke with my Doctor about a change and here i am. i don't like the fact that they are so expensive! i went from paying $10 to $94!!! i am having issues with my insurance since i renewed in August (that's another story...lol). does anyone insurance cover their pills? is it at least a significant discount?
CPhT: i use walmart pharmacy and one of the pharmacy techs/employee asked if i had a discount card since my insurance is screwed at the moment. i don't have one (discount card)but how can i get one? i receive no federal assistance.
thanks Iris for starting this post. It was very helpful to me.

Was this helpful? 7
57

I was forced to switch as well. Loestrine 24 Fe was my life saver, it took me 16 years of suffering and pill hopping to finally find it. And now, after two months on this "Minastrine" ,I am miserable. Yeast infections, nightmares, anxiety,EXTREME irritability, irrational thinking, RAGE RAGE RAGE!!!!! I am seriously seriously jacked up and have been isolating because I am scared of snapping in people., I already did twice. Threw my phone at the wall, threw a vase. Terrible. Shameful. My chemical soup is totally messed up. I need a Dr who knows what the heck they're talking about in terms of B.C. Pills and hormone imbalances ASAP!!!!!!!

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141

Hi all . I have been following this thread for quite some time and thought I would review Lomedia 24 fe. I was on minastrin for two months and had minor, inconvenient side effects. My face broke out and I felt a bit bloated, nothing too severe beyond that. Still, the acne concerned me so I wanted to give Lomedia a try. After just two weeks my acne has completely cleared up and I'm back to feeling as I did on Loestrin. I highly recommend! Plus no chewing is a plus :)

Was this helpful? 5
5

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!

Was this helpful? 7
8

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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