Comprehensive medication guide to Layolis Fe 28 including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0 copay for most private insurance plans under the ACA contraceptive coverage mandate; Tier 1–2 on most formularies; some grandfathered plans and short-term plans may not apply; Medicare does not typically cover oral contraceptives.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$76–$150 retail per 28-tablet pack; as low as $33–$65 for equivalent generic Kaitlib Fe with a SingleCare card; GoodRx prices for Layolis Fe 28 start around $76 for a 28-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
62/100
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Layolis Fe 28 is a prescription combination oral contraceptive (birth control pill) containing two synthetic hormones: norethindrone 0.8 mg (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (25 mcg) (a synthetic estrogen). It also includes ferrous fumarate 75 mg (iron) in the 4 placebo tablets taken during the fourth week of each pack.
Layolis Fe 28 is a generic version of Generess Fe, manufactured by Actavis Pharma. What makes it unique among oral contraceptives is its chewable tablet formulation — the tablets are designed to be chewed (without water) rather than swallowed whole, with a spearmint flavor. Each blister pack contains 24 active light green hormone tablets and 4 brown iron placebo tablets.
Layolis Fe 28 is FDA-approved for prevention of pregnancy and for treatment of moderate acne in females who are at least 15 years old and who also wish to use birth control. It is not a controlled substance and can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber.
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Layolis Fe 28 works through three complementary mechanisms to prevent pregnancy. The primary mechanism is suppression of ovulation: the synthetic hormones suppress the pituitary gland's release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), preventing the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries. Without ovulation, fertilization cannot occur.
The second mechanism is cervical mucus thickening: norethindrone makes cervical mucus thick and viscous, creating a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. The third mechanism is endometrial changes: the drug thins the uterine lining, making implantation less likely even if fertilization did occur.
Both hormones are absorbed within approximately 2 hours of chewing the tablet, with norethindrone achieving ~64% bioavailability and ethinyl estradiol ~43% after first-pass liver metabolism. The 24/4-day cycle (24 active days followed by only 4 hormone-free days) is designed to more consistently suppress the pituitary-ovarian axis compared to traditional 21/7 formulations.
0.8 mg / 0.025 mg — chewable tablet (active)
24 light green chewable tablets containing norethindrone 0.8 mg + ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg (25 mcg). Chew and swallow one tablet daily at the same time.
75 mg — chewable tablet (placebo)
4 brown chewable tablets containing ferrous fumarate 75 mg (iron). Non-hormonal reminder tablets taken on days 25-28; do not prevent pregnancy.
Layolis Fe 28 is not currently listed in the FDA's official Drug Shortage Database as of 2026. However, patients consistently report intermittent difficulty finding it at retail pharmacies. It carries a findability score of 62/100 — meaning it is generally available but requires checking multiple pharmacies in many areas. Stock gaps are most common at smaller chain locations and rural pharmacies.
The core challenge is that Layolis Fe 28 is a niche chewable tablet formulation with a smaller market share than standard oral contraceptives. Pharmacies often stock limited quantities and may carry Kaitlib Fe or Wymzya Fe (identical generics) instead. Mail-order pharmacies through insurance benefit managers tend to have more reliable availability for ongoing supply.
If you're struggling to find Layolis Fe 28, medfinder calls pharmacies near you on your behalf to find which ones can fill your prescription, then texts you the results — no hold music required.
Layolis Fe 28 is not a controlled substance, so it can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider with prescribing authority. There are no DEA registration requirements or special controlled substance prescribing forms required.
Telehealth is a convenient option in 2026 — platforms like Nurx, Wisp, and Planned Parenthood Direct offer same-day or next-day consultations for oral contraceptive prescriptions and can send prescriptions to a local pharmacy or mail them directly in most states. In some states, pharmacists also have authority to prescribe hormonal contraceptives directly.
No. Layolis Fe 28 is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. The active ingredients — norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol — are synthetic hormones with no abuse potential or addiction risk. This means Layolis Fe 28 can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider without special DEA registration or controlled substance prescribing authority.
Prescriptions for Layolis Fe 28 can be sent electronically, called in to pharmacies by phone, or written on standard prescription pads — no special forms required. Refills are permitted as directed by the prescriber. Telehealth prescriptions are valid in all states where the provider is licensed. Pharmacies do not have the same reporting or tracking requirements for Layolis Fe 28 that they do for opioids, stimulants, or other scheduled substances.
Most side effects of Layolis Fe 28 are mild and improve within the first 2–3 menstrual cycles. Common side effects include:
Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:
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Kaitlib Fe
FDA-rated therapeutic equivalent generic of Generess Fe — identical active ingredients (norethindrone 0.8 mg / EE 0.025 mg) in the same chewable 24/4 format. Often available when Layolis Fe 28 is out of stock; may be priced lower with discount cards.
Wymzya Fe
Another FDA-rated therapeutic equivalent generic of Generess Fe with identical active ingredients. Available through different distribution channels than Layolis Fe 28.
Lo Loestrin Fe
Very low estrogen COC (norethindrone acetate 1 mg / EE 10 mcg); brand-only, no generic. Good option for estrogen-sensitive patients who need a lower-estrogen formulation.
Yaz / Generic Drospirenone-EE
Drospirenone 3 mg / ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg; anti-androgenic properties useful for acne or PMDD co-indications. Generic widely available.
Sprintec
Norgestimate 0.25 mg / ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg; standard swallowed tablet in 21/7 format. One of the most widely available and affordable generic oral contraceptives.
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Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
majorCYP3A4 inducer that significantly reduces ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone levels, decreasing contraceptive efficacy. Use backup contraception.
Rifampin (Rifampicin)
majorPotent CYP3A4 inducer that dramatically reduces contraceptive hormone levels. Use alternative non-hormonal contraception while on rifampin.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
majorHerbal CYP3A4 inducer associated with breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure in combination OC users. Avoid concurrent use.
Fezolinetant (Veozah)
majorContraindicated: ethinyl estradiol inhibits CYP1A2 metabolism of fezolinetant, causing dangerously elevated fezolinetant levels.
Tranexamic acid (oral)
majorContraindicated: pharmacodynamic synergism significantly increases thromboembolism risk when combined with oral contraceptives.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
moderateEstrogen in Layolis Fe 28 increases lamotrigine metabolism, potentially reducing lamotrigine levels by up to 50% — may worsen seizure control. Lamotrigine dose adjustment may be needed.
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
majorCYP3A4 inducer that reduces contraceptive efficacy. Use backup non-hormonal contraception.
Efavirenz
moderateHIV antiretroviral that induces CYP3A4 and reduces contraceptive hormone levels. Use additional contraception.
Layolis Fe 28 is a safe, effective chewable birth control pill that offers a convenient alternative to standard swallowed oral contraceptives. With a Pearl Index of approximately 2.01 per 100 women-years, it provides reliable contraceptive protection when taken correctly. Its 24/4 cycle is designed to more thoroughly suppress ovulation than traditional 21/7 formulations.
The main practical challenge with Layolis Fe 28 is pharmacy availability — it is a niche formulation that not all pharmacies stock consistently. Patients can improve their supply reliability by using 90-day mail-order prescriptions through insurance, knowing that Kaitlib Fe and Wymzya Fe are FDA-equivalent alternatives, and planning refills well in advance. Cost can be managed through the ACA contraceptive mandate (often $0 with insurance) or discount programs like GoodRx and SingleCare.
If you're struggling to find Layolis Fe 28 in stock, medfinder can call pharmacies near you on your behalf to locate it quickly — no hold times, results texted directly to you.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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