Generic Loestrin Fe

Two versions of generic Loestrin Fe are available. They are sold under the names Junel Fe and Microgestin Fe. The FDA has assigned both of these generic versions an "AB" rating, meaning that they are as good as the brand-name medication. However, generic Loestrin Fe can have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication, which may cause problems in people with allergies.

Loestrin Fe Oral Contraceptives

Is Generic Loestrin Fe Available?

Loestrin^® Fe (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol) is one of the many oral contraceptives (birth control pills) available. Loestrin Fe is known as a "combined" oral contraceptive, because it contains a combination of two different types of hormones (an estrogen and a progestin).

(Loestrin Fe is not the same as plain Loestrin^®or Loestrin^® 24 Fe. The information in this article does not apply to either of these medications.)

Although Loestrin Fe was first made by Warner Chilcott Company, Inc., it is currently made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The patents for Loestrin Fe have expired, and generic Loestrin Fe is available, although it is sold under what looks like other brand names, rather than the usual generic name.

Names for Generic Loestrin Fe

One version of generic Loestrin Fe is sold under the name Junel™ Fe. It is made by Barr Laboratories, the parent company of Duramed (the current maker of Loestrin Fe). The other version of generic Loestrin Fe is sold under the name Microgestin^® Fe (made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).

Because the generic names of birth control pills can be confusing (the names are long, and several different products can have the same generic name but come in different strengths), the manufacturers of generic birth control pills give their versions a "brand name" to avoid confusion. These products are still generics, even though they seem like brand-name products due to their names.

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