Lo Minastrin Fe

Lo Minastrin Fe is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that utilizes a low-dose formulation of the progestin norethindrone acetate and the estrogen ethinyl estradiol. Specifically, it provides 1 mg of norethindrone acetate and 10 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, making it one of the lowest-dose estrogen combination pills available. The regimen is structured as a 28-day cycle consisting of 24 days of active combination tablets, followed by 2 days of ethinyl estradiol-only tablets and 2 days of ferrous fumarate (iron) reminder tablets. Its primary mechanism of action is the suppression of gonadotropins, which inhibits ovulation. Secondary contraceptive effects include thickening of the cervical mucus to impede sperm penetration and alterations to the endometrial lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. It was originally developed by Warner Chilcott and is currently marketed by AbbVie following a series of acquisitions.

Brand names

Lo Minastrin Fe

Other names

norethindrone acetate + ethinyl estradiol + ferrous fumarate