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. However, Warner Chilcott has an agreement with Watson Pharmaceuticals that will permit Watson to make a generic version as early as January 2014. This agreement is the result of a lawsuit between the two companies.
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.
