Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Depo-Provera
See how Lo Loestrin Fe and Depo-Provera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Lo Loestrin Fe is a daily pill with the lowest estrogen dose among FDA-approved oral contraceptives, while Depo-Provera is an injection given every three months.
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning for bone density loss with long-term use, while Lo Loestrin Fe carries a boxed warning for cardiovascular risk in smokers over 35.
Both prevent pregnancy but do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and their side effect profiles differ substantially in type and frequency.
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Depo-Provera Drug Summary
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination oral contraceptive containing the lowest dose of estrogen (10 mcg) among FDA-approved birth control pills. It combines norethindrone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, and iron, and is taken once daily in a 28-day pack to prevent pregnancy.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive given as an intramuscular injection once every three months. It contains no estrogen and works by suppressing ovulation, making it an option for people who cannot take estrogen-containing birth control.
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Depo-Provera Side Effects
Lo Loestrin Fe
Depo-Provera
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Depo-Provera Dosage
Lo Loestrin Fe
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/10 mcg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Days 27-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg IM injection | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg IM injection | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Lo Loestrin Fe
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/10 mcg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Days 27-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg IM injection | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg IM injection | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Depo-Provera Indications
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose oral contraceptives. It is sometimes used off-label to help manage acne or other hormone-related symptoms.
Prevents pregnancy with a daily pill
Lowest estrogen dose of any FDA-approved oral contraceptive
Off-label use for acne or hormonal symptom management
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy through a quarterly injection. It is not intended for long-term use beyond two years unless other contraceptive options are inadequate, due to the risk of bone loss.
Prevents pregnancy with a quarterly injection
Only FDA-approved use is pregnancy prevention
Not recommended beyond 2 years due to bone density risk
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Depo-Provera Pros and Cons
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe offers the lowest estrogen dose of any FDA-approved combination pill, which may reduce estrogen-related side effects for some users. It requires daily adherence and carries the class-wide cardiovascular risks associated with combination hormonal contraceptives, especially in smokers over 35.
Pros
Lowest daily estrogen dose among approved oral contraceptives
Shorter hormone-free interval may improve cycle regulation
Can be stopped at any time without a procedure
May help manage acne as an off-label benefit
Cons
Requires daily adherence with no missed doses
Boxed warning for cardiovascular risk in smokers over 35
Contraindicated with uncontrolled hypertension
Higher list price, roughly $171 to $1,017 per month, than Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera offers convenience with an injection needed only every three months, appealing to those who struggle with daily pill schedules. It carries a boxed warning for bone mineral density loss with prolonged use and is not recommended as a long-term method beyond two years.
Pros
Only requires an injection every 3 months
Progestin-only option for those who cannot take estrogen
No daily action needed, reducing user error
Substantially lower cost, roughly $20 to $45 per month equivalent, than Lo Loestrin Fe
Cons
Boxed warning for bone mineral density loss with prolonged use
Not recommended for use beyond 2 years
Nervousness reported in up to 11% of users
Dizziness reported in up to 6% of users
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.