What Is Layolis Fe 28? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Layolis Fe 28 is one of the more unique birth control pills on the market — it's chewable, comes in a spearmint flavor, and includes iron tablets during the fourth week. If you're new to this medication or considering it, here's a comprehensive overview of what it is, how it works, who should take it, and how to use it correctly.

What Is Layolis Fe 28?

Layolis Fe 28 is a prescription combination oral contraceptive (birth control pill) containing two hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen). It is manufactured by Actavis Pharma and is a generic version of Generess Fe, which received initial U.S. approval in 1974 for the active hormone combination.

What makes Layolis Fe 28 distinctive is its chewable tablet format — unlike most birth control pills that must be swallowed whole, Layolis Fe tablets are designed to be chewed without water. This makes it easier for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.

What Is Layolis Fe 28 Used For?

Layolis Fe 28 has two FDA-approved uses:

1. Contraception: Preventing pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. When taken correctly, it has a Pearl Index of approximately 2.01 pregnancies per 100 women-years.
2. Acne treatment: Treatment of moderate acne in females who are at least 15 years old, who have started having menstrual periods, and who also need contraception.

What's in Each Layolis Fe 28 Pack?

Each Layolis Fe 28 blister pack contains 28 chewable tablets in the following order:

• 24 light green active tablets: Each containing 0.8 mg norethindrone + 0.025 mg (25 mcg) ethinyl estradiol. These prevent pregnancy.
• 4 brown placebo tablets: Each containing 75 mg ferrous fumarate (iron). These are reminder/placebo tablets — they do not prevent pregnancy but provide iron during menstruation. Your period typically occurs during these 4 days.

Both the active and placebo tablets have a spearmint flavor and are chewable. They are also swallowable if preferred. The ferrous fumarate in the placebo tablets does not serve any therapeutic medical purpose — it's purely to help maintain the daily pill-taking habit during your period week.

How to Take Layolis Fe 28 Correctly

Correct use is essential for maximum contraceptive effectiveness. Follow these instructions:

1. Chew and swallow one tablet at the same time every day (with or without water, with or without food).
2. Take them in the exact order shown on the blister pack — do not rearrange them.
3. Start on Day 1 of your period (first day of menstrual bleeding) for immediate protection. If starting on another day, use backup contraception for 7 days.
4. Do not skip more than 24 hours between doses.
5. If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within 3–4 hours of taking an active tablet, treat it as a missed dose.

Who Should NOT Take Layolis Fe 28?

Layolis Fe 28 is contraindicated (not safe to use) for people who:

• Are over 35 and smoke cigarettes (serious cardiovascular risk — BOXED WARNING)
• Have a high risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack
• Have or have had breast cancer
• Have liver disease or liver tumors
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have migraines with aura
• Are pregnant

Does Layolis Fe 28 Protect Against STIs?

No. Like all hormonal birth control pills, Layolis Fe 28 does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Use barrier methods (condoms) in addition to Layolis Fe 28 if STI protection is needed.

The Bottom Line

Layolis Fe 28 is a safe, effective, and convenient chewable birth control pill for people who need contraception or acne treatment. For a deeper look at how it works biologically, see our article on how Layolis Fe 28 works. If you need help finding it in stock, medfinder can call pharmacies near you on your behalf.