Microgestin Fe Uses

Microgestin Fe is used for the prevention of pregnancy in women who opt to use oral contraceptives (birth control pills) as a method of contraception. Using this medication, however, does not provide protection to you or your partner against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills may improve acne, reduce blood loss and pain during periods, lower your risk of ovarian cysts, and make periods more regular.

There may be other uses of microgestin Fe - your pharmacist or physician can give you further information.

Microgestin Fe Mechanism of Action

Microgestin Fe is a combination oral contraceptive consisting of active tablets containing norethindrone acetate (progestin), ethinyl estradiol (estrogen), and placebo (inactive) tablets of ferrous fumarate, which have no therapeutic purpose.

Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Combinations of estrogen and progestin work to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries). This medication also results in changes in your cervical mucus (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus) and the uterine lining (causing more difficulty for a fertilized egg to implant).

Microgestin Fe Doses

Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 or Microgestin Fe 1/20 (and its branded generics) are available in a 28-day pack. These provide a continuous administration regimen consisting of 21 tablets of Microgestin and 7 non-hormone or reminder pills of ferrous fumarate. The use of ferrous fumarate tablets is to make it simpler to administer the medication over the course of a 28-day regimen. The inactive pills or reminder pills do not have any therapeutic value; however, as an iron supplement, they may help prevent anemia.

Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 or Microgestin Fe 1/20:  Each tablet of Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 contains 1.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol. Each tablet of Microgestin Fe 1/20 contains 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol. There are 7 placebo tablets, and each contains 75 mg of ferrous fumarate. You should take 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet daily for the remaining 7 days.

Microgestin 1.5/30 or Microgestin 1/20 (and its branded generics) are available in a 21-day pack. Each tablet of Microgestin 1.5/30 contains 1.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol. Each tablet of Microgestin 1/20 contains 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol. You should take 1 tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days off (not taking any of the tablets).

The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed and at intervals of no more than 24 hours in order to ensure optimal contraceptive effectiveness.