Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day in 2026: What's Going On?

If you've been struggling to fill your Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day prescription, you're probably wondering: is it still in shortage? When will things get better? And what are you supposed to do in the meantime?

In this update, we'll cover the current availability status, explain why this medication has been hard to find, give you the latest on pricing, and lay out your best options for getting your birth control without interruption.

Is Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day and several of its generic equivalents continue to experience intermittent supply disruptions. While the situation has improved compared to the worst periods in 2023 and 2024, availability remains inconsistent across the country.

Here's the current picture:

• Brand-name Loestrin Fe 1/20 was discontinued by the original manufacturer several years ago. It is no longer produced.
• Generic versions (Junel Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, Larin Fe 1/20, and others) are still being manufactured, but not all are consistently available at every pharmacy.
• Some generics may be in stock at one pharmacy but not another — availability varies significantly by location and wholesaler.

The FDA Drug Shortage database has listed various norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol combination products intermittently since 2023. While not all formulations are currently listed as "in shortage," the practical reality is that many patients still have trouble finding them.

Why Is Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to the ongoing availability challenges:

• Manufacturing consolidation: Fewer companies produce generic oral contraceptives than a decade ago. When one manufacturer has production issues, the entire market feels the impact.
• Raw material supply: Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for hormonal contraceptives come from a limited number of global suppliers. Disruptions at these facilities ripple through the supply chain.
• Regulatory inspections: FDA inspections and resulting manufacturing holds have temporarily reduced output at some generic facilities.
• High baseline demand: Oral contraceptives are among the most widely prescribed medications in the U.S., so even small production shortfalls create noticeable gaps.

For a deeper explanation, read: Why is Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day so hard to find?

How Much Does Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day Cost in 2026?

Cost depends heavily on whether you have insurance and which version you're filling:

• Generic with insurance: Under the ACA contraceptive mandate, most insurance plans cover at least one generic oral contraceptive with a $0 copay. If your plan doesn't cover your specific generic, you may pay $10-$50.
• Generic without insurance: Cash prices for generics like Junel Fe 1/20 or Microgestin Fe 1/20 range from $30-$50 per pack at retail, but discount cards bring this down significantly.
• Generic with a discount card: SingleCare offers prices as low as $13.70 per pack. GoodRx and other programs offer similar savings, typically in the $9-$25 range.

For detailed savings strategies, see: How to save money on Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day.

Are There New Options in 2026?

While no brand-new norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol 1/20 products have launched recently, the overall oral contraceptive market continues to evolve:

• Additional generic manufacturers have entered or re-entered the market, which should help stabilize supply over time.
• Telehealth birth control services have expanded, making it easier to get prescriptions and find pharmacies with stock.
• Medfinder and similar tools now make it possible to check pharmacy inventory before you drive to the store.

If your specific generic remains hard to find, alternatives like Lo Loestrin Fe (lower estrogen dose) or Minastrin 24 Fe (chewable, different pill schedule) may be worth discussing with your provider. See our full alternatives guide.

How to Find Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day in Stock Right Now

Here are your best strategies:

1. Search on Medfinder: Go to medfinder.com and search for Loestrin Fe 1/20 or any of its generic names to see real-time pharmacy availability.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have stock when chains don't.
3. Ask your prescriber to broaden the prescription: If your Rx specifies one generic, ask to have it written for "norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol 1 mg/20 mcg with iron" so any equivalent can be dispensed.
4. Consider mail-order: Mail-order pharmacies typically maintain larger inventories.
5. Refill early: Don't wait until you're on your last pill. Fill 5-7 days before you run out.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, read: How to find Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day shortage situation in 2026 is improving, but it's not fully resolved. If you're still having trouble finding your birth control, know that you have options — from switching generics to using tools like Medfinder to trying independent or mail-order pharmacies.

Stay proactive, plan ahead, and don't hesitate to involve your doctor or a telehealth provider if you need help navigating the shortage. Your birth control is important, and you deserve reliable access to it.