The purpose of the brown pills
Lo Loestrin Fe is a 28-day combination birth control pill regimen designed to prevent pregnancy. A pack of this medication contains tablets of different colors, which signify distinct components and functions within the monthly cycle. The pack is color-coded to help users distinguish between the active, hormone-containing pills and the inactive placebo pills. Specifically, the brown pills are the last two tablets in the pack and are non-hormonal.
These round, brown tablets contain 75 mg of ferrous fumarate, a form of iron. While they include a mineral, these pills are not for therapeutic iron supplementation, and their primary function is to maintain the daily routine of taking a pill. This helps to ensure a smooth transition to the next pack of active pills without missing a day. During these two days, a user's withdrawal bleeding, which mimics a menstrual period, typically occurs. The small amount of iron may also offer a minor benefit in preventing anemia from menstrual blood loss compared to traditional 'sugar pill' placebos, but this is not their main purpose.
How the different pills in a pack work
To fully understand the role of the brown pills, it's essential to know the entire Lo Loestrin Fe cycle. A complete pack is divided into 24 active blue pills, 2 active white pills, and 2 inactive brown pills.
- Blue tablets (Days 1-24): These are the primary contraceptive pills. Each blue tablet contains two hormones: 1 mg of norethindrone acetate (a progestin) and 10 mcg of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). These hormones work to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
- White tablets (Days 25-26): These tablets also contain active hormones, but only one type. Each white, hexagonal tablet contains 10 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. They continue providing a low dose of estrogen, which helps reduce hormonal fluctuations and maintain cycle control.
- Brown tablets (Days 27-28): These are the final, non-hormonal placebo pills in the cycle. As mentioned, they contain ferrous fumarate and are used to keep the daily routine consistent before starting a new pack. Your withdrawal bleed usually begins during these last few days.
Comparison of pills in Lo Loestrin Fe
| Pill Color | Days in Cycle | Active Ingredients | Contraceptive Function | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 1-24 | 1mg Norethindrone Acetate, 10mcg Ethinyl Estradiol | Yes | Primary pregnancy prevention |
| White | 25-26 | 10mcg Ethinyl Estradiol | Yes | Continued pregnancy prevention, hormonal maintenance |
| Brown | 27-28 | 75mg Ferrous Fumarate | No (Placebo) | Daily routine reminder, contains iron supplement |
Important considerations for the brown pills
Because the brown pills are inactive and contain no hormones, you can skip them entirely if you choose, as long as you begin your next pack of pills on time. This can be a strategy for those who want to use Lo Loestrin Fe to make their periods optional, though it's best to discuss this with a healthcare provider first. If a brown pill is missed, there is no risk of pregnancy as long as the active pills were taken correctly. You can simply discard the missed brown pill and continue with the regimen. However, the crucial part is starting the next pack on schedule to maintain contraceptive effectiveness.
It is important to remember that oral contraceptives like Lo Loestrin Fe, even when taken perfectly, are not 100% effective and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using additional barrier methods, like condoms, is the best way to protect against STIs.
Conclusion
In summary, the brown pills in Lo Loestrin Fe are non-hormonal placebo tablets containing ferrous fumarate. They are not essential for contraceptive action but are included to help maintain a daily pill-taking routine, which is critical for the effectiveness of the hormonal pills. Their sole active ingredient, iron, serves no therapeutic purpose but may offer a slight benefit against anemia. Users can skip these pills, but must ensure they start their next pack on schedule. Understanding the role of each color-coded pill helps ensure the medication is used correctly for maximum effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. For further information and full prescribing details, you can consult the official FDA documentation.
