Minastrin 24 Fe is a combination birth control pills containing female hormones (ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone) and the mineral iron (ferrous fumarate) used to prevent pregnancy.
Contents:
Indications for use
Minastrin 24 Fe is used for oral long-term contraception.
In addition, Minastrin 24 Fe chewable pills are able to make your periods regular, reduce blood loss and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), and reduce cysts. These birth control pills will not protect you or your partner from diseases that are transmitted sexually.
Mechanism of action
This drug is a combination of female hormones (ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone) that prevent ovulation (release of the ovum from the ovary). This drug also causes changes in the cervical mucus and mucous membrane of the uterus, which makes it more difficult for the sperm to reach the uterus and more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Dosage and mode of application
Minastrin 24 Fe pills are available in a blister containing 28 tablets (24 active tablets containing 1 mg of norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 4 non-hormonal pills containing 75 mg of ferrous fumarate). These 4 inert tablets do not have any medication and are used as reminders.
You need to take pills orally for 28 days, at the same time of the day. Once you have finished the package, begin a new course of treatment. Interruption is not required.
Side effects
Minastrin 24 Fe contraceptive may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps, bloating, dizziness, acne, vaginal irritation, increased vaginal fluids, or breast sensitivity.
Visit your doctor immediately if you have any of the following serious side effects: changes in vaginal bleeding (eg, continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding, missed periods), contact lens wear problems, dark spots on the skin, unwanted face / hair on body, swelling of the ankles / legs, weight changes, sudden shortness of breath, chest / jaw / left arm pain, confusion, hemoptysis, sudden dizziness / fainting, pain / swelling / warmth in the groin, tingling / weakness / numbness in hands / feet, headaches that differ from those that you have experienced in the past (for example, headaches with vision changes / lack of coordination, migraines, sudden / very severe headaches), slurred speech. In rare cases, the medication can cause serious problems with blood clotting (eg, pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack), serious allergic reactions: rash, itching/swelling (especially face/ tongue/throat), severe dizziness.
Very rare but very serious side effects of Minastrin 24 Fe include lumps in the chest, heaviness of the stomach / abdominal/pelvic pain, mental/mood changes (eg, depression, suicidal thoughts, persistent sleeping problems), unusual fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin.
What if I miss a dose?
Missing a pill of Minastrin 24 Fe isn’t recommended because this may reduce a contraceptive effect of the drug.
- If you miss an active pill (1-24 pills), take it as soon as possible. The next pill should be taken at your regular time. It’s allowed to take 2 active pills per day;
- If you miss 3 or more active pills in a row (1-24 pills), discard the rest of the tablets and begin a new Minastrin 24 Fe pack that same day;
- If you miss no-hormonal pills (25-28 pills), just discard them. In this case, it’s not required to use barrier contraceptive methods.
Precautions
Before using Minastrin 24 Fe for birth control inform your doctor if you have any allergies or if you have certain medical conditions, such as: a history of stroke or other blood clots, severe high blood pressure, abnormal breast exam, cancer (especially endometrium or breast cancer), diabetes mellitus, which causes kidney / eye / nerve / blood vessel disease, severe headaches, heart disease history (eg, heart attack, chest pain), heart disease, liver problems (eg, liver tumor, active liver disease), pregnancy, recent major surgery, long periods of sitting or lying, a history of yellowing of the eyes / skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during birth, unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Before using this contraceptive, tell your doctor about your medical history, in particular: high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides (blood fat levels), depression, diabetes, swelling (edema), gallbladder problems, kidney disease, migraine, obesity, irregular / missed / very light periods, recent pregnancy, thyroid disease.
Do not smoke cigarettes. Hormonal birth control pills in combination with smoking significantly increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure and heart attacks, especially in women over 35 years of age.
If you have diabetes, this medicine can make the blood sugar level more difficult to control. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly, as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you notice increased thirst/urination. Your anti-diabetic medications or diets may need to be adjusted.
Notify your doctor in advance if you are planning to undergo a surgery or will have to stay in bed for a long time (for example, a long flight of the airplane). You may need to stop treatment with Minastrin 24 Fe overtime or take special precautions.
This medicine can cause dark patches on the skin. Sunlight can worsen this effect. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. If you are short-sighted or wear contact lenses, you can develop eye problems or problems wearing contact lenses.
This drug should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think that you can be pregnant, visit your doctor immediately.
Interactions
If you are taking or plan to take other drugs or supplements together with Minastrin 24 Fe chewable pills, the effectiveness of the contraceptive may decrease. Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone can interact with:
- Dicoumarol;
- Rifampin;
- St. John’s wort;
- Aminoglutethimide;
- Carbamazepine;
- Hydrocortisone;
- Itraconazole;
- Phenobarbital;
- Prednisolone.