Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Yaz

See how Lo Loestrin Fe and Yaz compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Both pills prevent pregnancy, but Yaz also has FDA approval for PMDD and moderate acne, while those uses are off-label for Lo Loestrin Fe.

  • Lo Loestrin Fe has the lowest estrogen dose of any FDA-approved birth control pill, which may help reduce estrogen-related side effects.

  • Yaz's drospirenone can raise potassium levels, so it is contraindicated in kidney, liver, or adrenal disease, unlike Lo Loestrin Fe.

Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Yaz Drug Summary

Lo Loestrin Fe

Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination oral contraceptive containing the lowest dose of estrogen (10 mcg) available in any FDA-approved birth control pill, along with norethindrone acetate and iron supplementation. It's taken as one tablet daily in a 28-day pack and is used to prevent pregnancy.

Yaz

Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily in a 24-active, 4-inactive tablet pack. It's FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and also to treat PMDD and moderate acne in women who want contraception.

Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Yaz Side Effects

Lo Loestrin Fe

Most common
headache (up to 7%)
nausea/vomiting (up to 7%)
bleeding irregularities (up to 5%)
dysmenorrhea (up to 4%)

Yaz

Most common
headache/migraine (up to 6.7%)
menstrual irregularities (up to 4.7%)
nausea/vomiting (up to 4.2%)
breast pain/tenderness (up to 4.0%)

Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Yaz Dosage

Lo Loestrin Fe

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 1 mg/10 mcg once daily Days 1-24
Maximum dose Ferrous fumarate 75mg/day Days 27-28
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Yaz

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily Days 1-24
Maximum dose Inert tablet once daily Days 25-28
Dose changes 1 increase Every 24 days

Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Yaz Indications

Lo Loestrin Fe

Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved only for pregnancy prevention. Some clinicians prescribe it off-label to help manage acne or other hormone-related symptoms, though it does not carry an FDA indication for those uses.

  • Prevention of pregnancy

  • Off-label: acne management

  • Off-label: hormonal symptom control

  • Not approved for STI or HIV protection

Yaz

Yaz is FDA-approved for pregnancy prevention, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and moderate acne in women age 14 and older who also want contraception. This gives it broader FDA-approved uses than many other birth control pills.

  • Prevention of pregnancy

  • Treatment of PMDD

  • Treatment of moderate acne (age 14+)

  • Not approved for use after menopause

Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Yaz Pros and Cons

Lo Loestrin Fe

Lo Loestrin Fe's ultra-low estrogen dose may reduce estrogen-related side effects like bloating or breast tenderness for some users. It has a shorter hormone-free interval and built-in iron supplementation, but it lacks the additional FDA approvals Yaz carries and its price can vary widely.

Pros

  • Lowest estrogen dose of any FDA-approved oral contraceptive

  • May cause less estrogen-related bloating or breast tenderness

  • Includes iron supplementation during the final pack days

Cons

  • Not FDA-approved for PMDD or acne treatment

  • Roughly $171 to $1,017 per month without insurance, higher than Yaz

  • Fewer years on the market (2010) than Yaz's longer track record

Yaz

Yaz offers FDA-approved treatment for PMDD and acne on top of contraception, backed by two decades of use since its 2001 approval. Its drospirenone component can raise potassium levels, so it isn't an option for women with certain kidney, liver, or adrenal conditions.

Pros

  • FDA-approved for both PMDD and acne, not just contraception

  • Longer market history with extensive long-term safety data

  • Roughly $112 to $226 per month without insurance, lower than Lo Loestrin Fe

Cons

  • Contraindicated in kidney, liver, or adrenal disease due to potassium-sparing effect

  • Contains a higher estrogen dose (20 mcg) than Lo Loestrin Fe's 10 mcg

  • May require potassium monitoring when combined with certain other medications

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