Generic Loestrin 24 Fe

There are no generic Loestrin 24 Fe products available on the market at this time. The birth control pill is currently under the protection of a patent that prevents any companies from manufacturing a generic version. As soon as this patent expires in July 2014, however, it is possible that other drug companies will start producing generic Loestrin 24 Fe.

 

Is a Generic Loestrin 24 Fe Available?

Loestrin® 24 Fe (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription contraceptive product. It is one of the many oral contraceptives (birth control pills) available. Compared to older birth control pills, Loestrin 24 Fe contains a relatively low dose of hormones. It also has fewer hormone-free days per cycle (only four, instead of the usual seven), which usually causes lighter, shorter menstrual periods.
 
Loestrin 24 Fe is made by Warner Chilcott Company, Inc. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Loestrin 24 Fe from being manufactured in the United States.
 

When Will Generic Loestrin 24 Fe Be Available?

The first patent for Loestrin 24 Fe currently expires in July 2014. This is the earliest possible date that a generic version of Loestrin 24 Fe could become available. However, there are other circumstances that could come up to extend the exclusivity period of Loestrin 24 Fe beyond 2014. This could include such things as other patents for specific Loestrin 24 Fe uses or lawsuits. Once Loestrin 24 Fe goes off patent, there may be several companies that will begin manufacturing generic Loestrin 24 Fe products.
 

Does Insurance Cover Loestrin 24 Fe?

Each insurance company is different. There has been a long history of insurance companies not covering contraceptive products, although this is beginning to change. More and more insurance companies are beginning to cover contraceptives. Because Loestrin 24 Fe is not available in a generic form, you may have to pay a higher co-payment, although coverage and co-payments vary widely.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;