What are Hailey pills?
Hailey pills are a brand of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), a type of birth control pill. They contain the active ingredients norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). These pills are available in various formulations like Hailey 24 Fe and Hailey Fe 1.5/30, which contain different hormone levels but function similarly to prevent pregnancy. The "Fe" in some product names indicates the inclusion of ferrous fumarate (an iron supplement) in the inactive pills, which helps maintain the daily pill-taking routine and may aid in preventing iron deficiency.
The mechanism of action
Hailey pills prevent pregnancy through multiple actions:
- Ovulation suppression: The hormones prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries.
- Cervical mucus thickening: Hormones make cervical mucus thicker, hindering sperm movement.
- Uterine lining alteration: Changes the uterine lining to reduce the chance of implantation.
Variations of Hailey pills
Different formulations of Hailey pills include:
- Hailey 24 Fe: A monophasic pill containing a certain amount of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol in active tablets, followed by inactive iron tablets.
- Hailey Fe 1.5/30: Typically a 28-day pack with active pills containing a certain amount of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, followed by inactive iron pills.
Primary and secondary uses
Hailey pills are primarily used for pregnancy prevention, with a high effectiveness rate when used correctly. They also have secondary uses, such as treating moderate acne, regulating menstrual cycles, and reducing menstrual cramps and the risk of ovarian cysts.
Common side effects and potential risks
Common side effects may include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, weight changes, spotting, and mood changes. Serious potential risks, though less common, include blood clots (which can lead to DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack), high blood pressure, liver disease, and increased blood sugar and triglycerides.
Comparison of Hailey pill types
The following table compares the key features of the main Hailey pill formulations:
| Feature | Hailey 24 Fe | Hailey Fe 1.5/30 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Hormones | Contains Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol | Contains Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol |
| Hormone Type | Monophasic | Monophasic |
| Pill Schedule | Active pills followed by inactive (iron) pills | Active pills followed by inactive (iron) pills |
| Estrogen Level | Lower estrogen level | Regular estrogen level |
| Generic Equivalent | Generic of discontinued Loestrin 24 Fe | Generic of discontinued Loestrin Fe 1.5/30 |
Who should avoid Hailey pills?
Certain conditions make Hailey pills unsuitable due to increased risk of serious side effects. These contraindications include smoking while over 35, a history of blood clots or clotting disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver disease or tumors, migraines with aura, and certain cancers like breast or uterine cancer.
Conclusion
Hailey pills are effective combined oral contraceptives for preventing pregnancy and managing conditions like acne and irregular periods. Available in formulations like Hailey 24 Fe and Hailey Fe 1.5/30 with varying hormone levels, they work by preventing ovulation and altering reproductive tract conditions. While generally safe, potential side effects and risks, including rare serious complications like blood clots, exist. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine suitability and discuss risks and benefits. More information can be found in the Hailey 24 Fe package insert.
