What is the drug Hailey? An Overview of this Combined Oral Contraceptive

October 6, 2025 •

2 min read

With typical use, hormonal birth control pills are approximately 93% effective at preventing pregnancy. Hailey is a brand of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) that utilizes a combination of hormones to achieve this efficacy, with several versions available, including Hailey 24 Fe and Hailey Fe 1.5/30.

Quick Summary

Hailey is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing the hormones norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, primarily used to prevent pregnancy. It works by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining. The medication also offers secondary benefits, including cycle regulation and acne treatment.

Key Points

Drug Profile: Hailey is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that uses both progestin (norethindrone) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) to prevent pregnancy.
Mechanism of Action: It primarily works by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
Formulations: Key versions include Hailey 24 Fe (lower-dose estrogen, 24 active pills) and Hailey Fe 1.5/30 (higher-dose estrogen, 21 active pills), both with inactive iron-containing pills.
Additional Benefits: Besides contraception, Hailey can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce period pain and bleeding, and treat acne.
Potential Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and mood changes, while serious risks like blood clots are rare but possible.
Important Warnings: Women over 35 who smoke are at a significantly higher risk of serious cardiovascular events when using combined oral contraceptives.

What Is Hailey and How Does It Work?

Hailey is a prescription-only combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing two female hormones: a progestin (norethindrone acetate) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). It is a generic version of discontinued brand-name drugs and is available in different formulations. Hailey prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining.

Types of Hailey and Their Formulations

Hailey comes in different 28-day pack formulations. These include versions with inactive tablets containing ferrous fumarate (iron) as a reminder pill.

Hailey 24 Fe

This is a low-dose, monophasic COC with active tablets containing norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol.

Hailey Fe 1.5/30

Hailey Fe 1.5/30 is a 28-day regimen featuring a medium dose of estrogen in its active tablets, which also contain norethindrone acetate.

Benefits Beyond Contraception

Besides preventing pregnancy, Hailey can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce blood loss and cramps, improve moderate acne, and potentially decrease the risk of ovarian cysts.

Potential Side Effects and Important Warnings

Hailey can cause side effects, which are typically mild but rarely serious.

Common side effects include:

Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Bloating and weight change
Breast tenderness
Vaginal spotting
Mood changes

Serious but rare side effects include:

Blood clots
High blood pressure
Gallbladder disease
Liver problems

Contraindications and Risks

Hailey is not suitable for individuals with certain medical histories, such as blood clots or specific heart, liver, or cancer conditions. Smoking, particularly in women over 35, significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular issues.

Comparison Table: Hailey 24 Fe vs. Hailey Fe 1.5/30


Feature	Hailey 24 Fe	Hailey Fe 1.5/30
Pill Schedule	24 active pills, 4 inactive pills	21 active pills, 7 inactive pills
Active Hormone Types	Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol	Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol
Estrogen Level	Low-dose estrogen	Medium-dose estrogen
Hormone Type	Monophasic	Monophasic
Generic For	Discontinued Loestrin 24 Fe	Discontinued Estrostep Fe (or similar)
Typical User Reviews	Mixed, some report emotional side effects, others shorter/lighter periods	Limited reviews, some report positive effects on cramps and periods

Conclusion

Hailey, a generic combined oral contraceptive available in formulations like Hailey 24 Fe and Hailey Fe 1.5/30, is used for pregnancy prevention and managing menstrual issues. Consistent daily use is essential for effectiveness. It is important to discuss potential benefits and risks, including side effects and increased risk of complications like blood clots (especially for smokers over 35), with a healthcare provider. For more information, refer to the prescribing information on {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/pro/hailey-24-fe.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary use of Hailey is to prevent pregnancy. As a combined oral contraceptive, it contains hormones that inhibit ovulation and make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg.

Hailey is a generic version of a combined oral contraceptive. For example, Hailey 24 Fe is a generic equivalent of the discontinued brand-name pill Loestrin 24 Fe.

The main difference is the hormone dosage and pill schedule. Hailey 24 Fe is a low-estrogen pill with a 24-day active pill cycle, while Hailey Fe 1.5/30 contains a medium dose of estrogen with a 21-day active pill cycle.

Yes, Hailey is also used to treat moderate acne in women who are at least 15 years old and wish to use birth control pills.

The course of action depends on how many active pills were missed and during which week. It is crucial to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your prescription, as backup contraception may be required.

No, it is not recommended to smoke while taking combined oral contraceptives, especially if you are over 35. Smoking significantly increases the risk of serious side effects, such as blood clots and heart problems.

No, like other oral contraceptives, Hailey does not protect against HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.