Can't fill your Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day prescription? Here are proven alternatives with the same ingredients and similar options to discuss with your doctor.
There's nothing more frustrating than being told your birth control is unavailable — especially when you need to take it every day. If you've been unable to fill your Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day prescription, you're not alone. Supply issues have affected this medication and its generics on and off since 2023.
The good news is that there are several alternatives that work the same way and contain the same (or very similar) active ingredients. Let's walk through what Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day is, how it works, and which alternatives might be right for you.
Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day is a combination oral contraceptive — a daily birth control pill. Each pack contains:
The "Fe" in the name stands for iron — the brown tablets help supplement your iron intake during your period week. The "1/20" refers to the hormone doses: 1 mg of norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.
For a complete overview, see our post: What is Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day?
Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day prevents pregnancy through three mechanisms:
Want to learn more? Read our detailed article: How does Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day work?
Below are the best alternatives, starting with identical generics and then moving to similar options. Always talk to your doctor before switching medications.
Junel Fe 1/20 is one of the most commonly dispensed generic equivalents of Loestrin Fe 1/20. It contains the exact same active ingredients at the exact same doses:
Why consider it: It's therapeutically identical to Loestrin Fe 1/20. If your pharmacy has Junel Fe 1/20 in stock but not your current generic, this is a straightforward swap. The cash price with a discount card is typically $9-$25 per pack.
Microgestin Fe 1/20 is another popular generic version of Loestrin Fe 1/20 with identical active ingredients and dosing. It's been on the market for years and is widely available.
Why consider it: Like Junel Fe, it's the same medication under a different generic name. Many pharmacies stock Microgestin even when other generics are unavailable. Pricing with discount cards ranges from $10-$30 per pack.
Blisovi Fe 1/20 is a newer generic equivalent that has gained popularity. Same active ingredients, same doses, same 28-day regimen.
Why consider it: Because it entered the market more recently, some pharmacies may have better stock levels. It's another one-to-one substitute that your pharmacist should be able to dispense without a new prescription (if your Rx allows generic substitution).
Lo Loestrin Fe is not a direct generic equivalent — it's a different formulation with a lower estrogen dose. It contains:
Why consider it: If you've experienced estrogen-related side effects like headaches, bloating, or breast tenderness with Loestrin Fe 1/20, Lo Loestrin Fe may be a good option. It requires a new prescription since it's a different product. Cash prices are higher (around $150-$200 per pack for brand), but manufacturer savings cards may be available.
If none of the above are available, your doctor might consider:
If you're switching between identical generics (Junel Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, etc.), the transition is usually seamless — just finish your current pack and start the new one. For different formulations like Lo Loestrin Fe or Minastrin 24 Fe, follow your doctor's specific instructions about when and how to start.
Need help finding any of these alternatives in stock? Use Medfinder to check availability at pharmacies near you. You can also read our tips on how to find Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day in stock.
Running out of birth control options is stressful, but you have more alternatives than you might think. Several generics contain the exact same hormones as Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day, and even if those are hard to find, lower-dose options like Lo Loestrin Fe may work well for you.
Talk to your doctor or a telehealth provider about which alternative is best, and use Medfinder to find it in stock near you. You shouldn't have to go without your birth control because of a supply chain problem.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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