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
Yaz
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Yaz Dosage
Lo Loestrin Fe
Yaz
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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