Estrostep Fe Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Estrostep Fe
Estrostep Fe can cause
serious, adverse reactions. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these symptoms:
- numbness or or loss of strength on one side of the body
- chest tension or heaviness, pain spreading from the chest to the arm or shoulder, feeling sick or nauseous, and increased sweating which could be indications of a heart attack
- signs of a stroke: sudden headache, feeling confused or dizzy, trouble balancing, seeing or speaking, pain behind eyes
- stomach ache or pain, fever, loss of hunger, darkened urine, clay- colored or red stools, jaundice or the yellowing of the skin or eyes which could signify liver damage or disease
- severe allergic reaction: hives, rash, swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, face and trouble breathing
Common Side Effects of Estrostep Fe
- headache
- dizziness
- feeling nervous or anxious
- upset stomach
- throwing up
- bloating or cramping
- tenderness, pain or enlargement of breast
- darkened facial skin, appearance of new freckles
- loss of hair on scalp and increased growth of bodily hair
- increase or decrease in weight or appetite
- dryness of the eyes and irritation when wearing contacts
- vaginal discharge
- itching or discomfort of the vagina
- changes in menstrual periods
- loss in desire to have sex
Warnings & Recalls for Estrostep Fe
Who Should Not Take Estrostep Fe?
Estrostep Fe and Pregnancy
Estrostep Fe is an
FDA pregnancy Category X medicine. Estrostep Fe
should not be used by patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have recently given birth to a baby. Estrostep Fe can be
passed through breast-milk and may harm a
nursing baby.
Do not use Estrostep Fe if you have a history of
any of the following:
- stroke, blood clotting, or blood flow problems
- hormone-related cancer
- unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been examined by a doctor
- liver disease or cancer
- jaundice caused by use of contraceptives
General Warnings
Before taking
Estrostep Fe, tell your doctor about
any medicines or health products you may be using. Some medications may prevent Estrostep Fe from being an effective form of birth control for your situation. Drugs that may
interfere with Estrostep include:
- acetaminophen or ascorbic acid
- prednisone
- theophylline
- St. John's wort
- antibiotics
- drugs for seizures
- sedatives
- HIV or AIDs treatments
Do not use Estrostep Fe until you have
let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions:
- high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- heart disease or a history of heart disease
- gallbladder disease
- diabetes
- a history of depression
- migraine headaches
- a history of breast cancer or if you have ever had an unusual mammogram
Using Estrostep Fe may
increase the possibility of
blood clots,
stroke,
or
heart attack. Patients
over 35 years of age or patients who
smoke are more susceptible to these risks.
Avoid smoking and
tobacco use while taking Estrostep Fe.
Estrostep Fe Treatment and Use
Estrostep Fe | ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate is a new contraceptive marketed by Warner Chilcott to prevent pregnancy. Studies have shown Estrostep Fe to be 99% effective when used properly for birth control. Estrostep Fe may be effective for the following:
- treating acne or reducing estrogen related side-effects
- increasing regularity of menstrual cycle and reduced cramping during menstruation
- lightened blood flow during menstrual cycle (reduced risk of anemia)
- decrease risk of noncancerous cysts or lumps in breast
- reduced possibility of ectopic pregnancies
- decreased changes of developing acute pelvic inflammatory disease
Estrostep Fe does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
How Does Estrostep Fe Work?
Estrostep Fe prevents pregnancy in several ways. The main course of action is altering levels of estrogen and progestin and keeping the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). Simultaneously, Estrostep Fe causes the cervical mucus to become thicker, further reducing the potential for a sperm to reach the egg. Estrostep also stops the lining of the uterine from thickening, making it almost impossible for a sperm to attach and survive.
How to Use Estrostep Fe
Estrostep Fe comes in tablet or chewable tablet form packaged in a blister card. Estrostep Fe tablets should be taken whole by mouth with a full glass of water. To begin using Estrostep Fe, take the first pill on the day you get your period or the first Sunday following the beginning of your period. Continue taking the pills each day starting from the top of the blister card. Follow all packaged instructions carefully. While taking Estrostep Fe:
- take pills around the same time each day to help you remember
- do not skip any days; this may increase the likelihood of conception
- be sure to have an extra blister card of Estrostep Fe to use when you run out
- you may experience spotting between periods
Do not take pills more than 24 hours apart. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to discuss possible options for further birth control.
Other Names for Estrostep Fe
Brand name:
Generic name:
- Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate
Lawsuits & Legal Information for Estrostep Fe
