Can't find Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day at your pharmacy? Learn why this birth control pill is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
You head to the pharmacy to pick up your birth control, and the pharmacist tells you they don't have Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day in stock. Sound familiar? Thousands of women across the country have been running into this same frustrating problem. Whether your pharmacy is completely out or telling you it's on backorder, the situation can feel stressful — especially when you rely on your birth control every single day.
In this article, we'll explain exactly what Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day is, why it's been so hard to find, and — most importantly — what steps you can take right now to get your medication.
Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day is a combination oral contraceptive (birth control pill) that contains two hormones: norethindrone acetate (1 mg, a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (20 mcg, an estrogen). Each 28-day pack includes 21 white active hormone tablets and 7 brown tablets containing ferrous fumarate (75 mg of iron) to take during your period week.
It works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg), thickening cervical mucus so sperm can't reach an egg, and thinning the uterine lining. Doctors prescribe it primarily for pregnancy prevention, but it's also used off-label to help with irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and even acne.
For a deeper dive into how this medication works, check out our guide on how Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day works.
There isn't a single reason Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day has been difficult to find. Instead, it's a combination of supply chain issues, manufacturer decisions, and market dynamics. Here are the main factors:
The original manufacturer, Warner Chilcott (later acquired by Allergan, now part of AbbVie), stopped producing brand-name Loestrin Fe 1/20 several years ago in favor of newer formulations like Minastrin 24 Fe and Lo Loestrin Fe. That means if your prescription specifically says "Loestrin Fe 1/20," your pharmacy needs to dispense a generic equivalent — and those generics have had their own supply problems.
Only a handful of companies manufacture the generic versions of Loestrin Fe 1/20, including Junel Fe 1/20, Microgestin Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, and Larin Fe 1/20. When one manufacturer experiences a production delay, the remaining suppliers often can't keep up with the sudden spike in demand.
Since 2023, various norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol combination products have appeared on the FDA Drug Shortage list. Raw material shortages, quality control issues, and regulatory inspections at manufacturing facilities have all contributed to intermittent availability problems that continue into 2026.
Oral contraceptives are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. When supply dips even slightly, pharmacies feel it immediately. Large chain pharmacies may prioritize stocking higher-volume generics, leaving patients who need specific formulations scrambling.
For the latest on supply issues, see our Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day shortage update for 2026.
The good news is that you have options. Here's what we recommend:
Medfinder lets you search for Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day (and its generic equivalents) to see which pharmacies near you actually have it in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in seconds.
Independent and locally owned pharmacies often have access to different wholesalers than big chains like CVS or Walgreens. They may have stock when the major chains don't. They're also more likely to go out of their way to help you find your medication.
If your pharmacy can't get your specific generic (say, Junel Fe 1/20), ask your prescriber if they can write for a different generic version like Microgestin Fe 1/20, Blisovi Fe 1/20, or Larin Fe 1/20. These all contain the same active ingredients. Learn more in our guide to Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day alternatives.
If you know your refill date is coming up, try to fill your prescription a few days early. Many insurance plans allow refills when you're about 75-80% through your current pack. This gives you a buffer in case your pharmacy needs to order it.
Telehealth providers who specialize in birth control can often help you find alternatives quickly if your current prescription is unavailable. Many can prescribe and send prescriptions to pharmacies that have stock. Read our post on finding a doctor who can prescribe Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day.
Not being able to find your birth control is more than an inconvenience — it can disrupt your health and your life. The shortage of Loestrin Fe 1/20 28 Day and its generics is a real problem, but it's one you can work around with the right tools and information.
Start by checking availability on Medfinder, talk to your doctor about backup options, and don't hesitate to explore independent pharmacies in your area. You deserve consistent access to your medication, and we're here to help you find it.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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