Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Microgestin
See how Lo Loestrin Fe and Microgestin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both are combination oral contraceptives that prevent pregnancy, but Lo Loestrin Fe has the lowest estrogen dose of any FDA-approved pill while Microgestin offers higher-dose strengths.
Lo Loestrin Fe uses a 24-day active, 2-day low-dose, 2-day iron schedule, while Microgestin follows a traditional 21-day active plus 7-day iron or placebo schedule.
Microgestin has been available since 1968 and costs far less than Lo Loestrin Fe, which was approved more recently, in 2010.
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Microgestin Drug Summary
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, and iron, approved in 2010. It has the lowest estrogen dose, 10 mcg, of any FDA-approved birth control pill. It is taken once daily in a 28-day pack with 24 active days, 2 lower-dose estrogen days, and 2 iron tablets.
Microgestin
Microgestin is a combination oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, first approved in 1968. It comes in multiple strengths, 1/20 and 1.5/30 mcg, and pack lengths, taken once daily with 21 active days followed by placebo or iron tablets.
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Microgestin Side Effects
Lo Loestrin Fe
Microgestin
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Microgestin Dosage
Lo Loestrin Fe
Microgestin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/10 mcg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | Ferrous fumarate 75 mg/day | Days 27-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/20 mcg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | Ferrous fumarate 75 mg/day | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 21 days |
Lo Loestrin Fe
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/10 mcg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | Ferrous fumarate 75 mg/day | Days 27-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Microgestin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/20 mcg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | Ferrous fumarate 75 mg/day | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 21 days |
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Microgestin Indications
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose oral contraceptives. Its ultra-low estrogen dose may make it a preferred option for women sensitive to higher estrogen levels or seeking to minimize estrogen-related side effects. Some prescribers also use it off-label to help manage acne or other hormonal symptoms.
Prevention of pregnancy
Off-label: acne or hormonal symptom management
Lowest estrogen dose among FDA-approved pills
Not indicated for STI protection
Microgestin
Microgestin is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives. Its long track record and multiple dosing strengths make it a common choice for straightforward, cost-effective contraception. It is not intended to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Prevention of pregnancy
Multiple dose strengths for flexibility
Long-established treatment history since 1968
Not indicated for STI protection
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Microgestin Pros and Cons
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe offers the lowest estrogen dose available in an FDA-approved pill, which may appeal to women who want to minimize estrogen exposure. As a newer, brand-name product, it tends to carry a higher price tag and less consistent insurance coverage than older generics. Its dosing schedule also requires more precision because the hormone doses are so low.
Pros
Contains the lowest estrogen dose of any FDA-approved birth control pill
Shorter hormone-free interval may reduce breakthrough symptoms
May be a good fit for women sensitive to higher estrogen doses
Cons
Roughly $171 to $1,017 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Newer formulation with less generic availability
Requires strict daily timing given its very low hormone dose
Microgestin
Microgestin has been prescribed for decades and is well understood by both patients and clinicians, with straightforward dosing and broad generic availability. Its higher estrogen dose compared with Lo Loestrin Fe may cause more estrogen-related side effects in sensitive individuals. Because it is an older generic, it is typically far less expensive and more consistently covered by insurance.
Pros
Decades of clinical use and well-established safety data since 1968
Available in multiple dose strengths to fit different needs
Roughly $20 to $50 per month without insurance, well below many newer brands
Cons
Higher estrogen dose than Lo Loestrin Fe, which may increase side effects for some
Traditional 21/7 or 24/4 schedule offers less flexibility than newer regimens
Not available in an ultra-low-estrogen formulation
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