Feirza 1/20 28 Day

How Does Feirza 1/20 Work?

Feirza 1/20 works through three layered mechanisms. The primary mechanism is suppression of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) from the pituitary gland, which prevents ovulation — no egg release means no fertilization. Norethindrone acetate is rapidly deacetylated to norethindrone after oral ingestion (bioavailability ~64%), and ethinyl estradiol has ~43% bioavailability after first-pass hepatic metabolism.

Secondary mechanisms include thickening the cervical mucus (making it difficult for sperm to penetrate) and altering the endometrial lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. Together, these three mechanisms make Feirza 1/20 highly effective: with perfect use, the annual failure rate is approximately 0.1%; with typical use, approximately 7%.

For acne, ethinyl estradiol increases hepatic production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds free testosterone in the blood and reduces androgenic stimulation of sebaceous glands. Less sebum production leads to fewer clogged pores and reduced acne inflammation over 3–6 months of consistent use.

How Hard Is It to Find Feirza 1/20 in Stock?

As of 2026, Feirza 1/20 is generally available but not universally stocked at all pharmacies. The FDA has not declared a national shortage of Feirza 1/20 or the norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol/ferrous fumarate drug class. However, because Feirza 1/20 entered the market in January 2025, it is still building its distribution footprint — not every pharmacy has incorporated it into their standard formulary ordering cycle.

Patients may find that their usual pharmacy carries Junel Fe 1/20 or Microgestin Fe 1/20 but not Feirza 1/20 specifically. The practical findability score for Feirza 1/20 reflects this — generally available in major metro areas through large pharmacy chains, but with localized gaps in smaller markets or at pharmacies that prefer established generic brands. Equivalent generics are typically easy to find even when Feirza 1/20 is not.

If you're having difficulty locating Feirza 1/20 at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can call pharmacies in your area to check which ones have it in stock and text you the results. medfinder covers all medications, not just shortage drugs.

Who Can Prescribe Feirza 1/20?

Feirza 1/20 is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling requirements. Any licensed prescriber with standard prescribing authority can write a prescription for Feirza 1/20, including physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) with prescribing authority in their state.

Healthcare providers who commonly prescribe Feirza 1/20 include:

OB/GYN physicians — primary prescribers for women's reproductive health including contraception and acne management

Primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine)

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — can prescribe in most states, including via telehealth

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) — in states where they hold prescribing authority

Reproductive health specialists at Planned Parenthood or Title X federally funded clinics

Telehealth prescribing is fully available for Feirza 1/20 in all 50 states, since it is not a controlled substance. Platforms including Nurx, Pandia Health, Hims & Hers, Wisp, and Hey Jane can evaluate patients online and send prescriptions to a local pharmacy, typically within the same day.

Is Feirza 1/20 a Controlled Substance?

No. Feirza 1/20 is not a controlled substance. It is not scheduled by the DEA under the Controlled Substances Act. This means there are no special DEA-number requirements for prescribers, no limits on the number of refills that can be authorized on a single prescription (except as imposed by state law or insurance plan rules), and no restrictions on prescribing via telehealth.

A standard prescription — written or electronic — from any licensed prescriber (physician, NP, PA, or CNM with prescribing authority) is sufficient to dispense Feirza 1/20. Most prescribers provide 3–12 months of refills on a single prescription. Patients can fill Feirza 1/20 at any licensed pharmacy in the United States.

Common Side Effects of Feirza 1/20

Most common side effects, especially in the first 1–3 months, include:

Nausea (take with food or at bedtime to minimize)

Breast tenderness or swelling

Headaches

Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods

Lighter periods or amenorrhea (absent withdrawal bleed)

Mood changes or depression

Decreased libido

Mild weight changes or fluid retention

Serious Side Effects — Seek Emergency Care Immediately

Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing blood (possible pulmonary embolism)

Leg pain, swelling, or warmth (possible DVT)

Sudden severe headache, vision changes, weakness or numbness (possible stroke)

Severe abdominal pain (possible liver problem)

Yellowing of skin or eyes — jaundice (possible liver toxicity)

Severe allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat

Final Thoughts on Feirza 1/20

Feirza 1/20 is a low-dose combination oral contraceptive with a well-established safety profile in its drug class. Its 20 mcg estrogen formulation makes it one of the gentler options available, and its dual FDA approval for contraception and moderate acne makes it a versatile choice. Patients looking for maximum effectiveness should take it at the same time each day and start a new pack immediately after completing each 28-day cycle.

Cost is often minimal or zero for patients with ACA-compliant insurance, and significant savings are available through GoodRx (as low as $9.66) and SingleCare (as low as $8.40) for those paying cash. The most important concern for most patients is simply finding it in stock — as a newer generic brand, Feirza 1/20 is not yet universally stocked by every pharmacy.

If you have trouble finding Feirza 1/20 at a pharmacy near you, medfinder is a paid service that contacts pharmacies near you to find which ones can fill your prescription, then texts you the results — saving the time and frustration of calling pharmacies yourself. medfinder covers all medications, not just shortage drugs.