Starting the Pill:

You can start Femcon Fe:

• On the first day of your period, or
  
  
• On the first Sunday after your period begins
  
  

Use backup birth control (like condoms) for the first 7 days if you’re starting the pill for the first time.

How to Take It:

• Take one pill every day, at the same time
  
  
• You can chew the tablet or swallow it whole with water
  
  
• Start a new pack immediately after finishing one
  
  

Missed Pills:

• If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember
  
  
• If you miss two or more, follow the instructions in the package and use backup protection
  
  

If you’re unsure what to do, use backup birth control and call your doctor

Femcon Fe prevents pregnancy in three main ways:

1. Stops ovulation: It prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg.
   
   
2. Thickens cervical mucus: This makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
   
   
3. Changes the uterine lining: This makes it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
   
   

When taken correctly (one pill every day at the same time), Femcon Fe is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

However, the effectiveness can drop if:

• Pills are missed
  
  
• You vomit or have diarrhea
  
  

You take certain other medications

Most users tolerate Femcon Fe well, but side effects are possible.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Breast tenderness
  
  
• Mood changes
  
  
• Weight gain or bloating
  
  
• Spotting between periods
  
  

These symptoms often go away after a few months as your body adjusts.

Serious side effects (rare but serious):

• Blood clots
  
  
• Heart attack or stroke
  
  
• Liver problems
  
  
• Vision changes
  
  
• High blood pressure
  
  

Stop taking Femcon Fe and call your doctor if you have:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath
  
  
• Sudden leg pain or swelling
  
  
• Vision changes or eye pain
  
  

Yellowing of the skin or eyes (sign of liver trouble)

Femcon Fe is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor before using it, especially if you have:

• History of blood clots
  
  
• Heart disease or stroke
  
  
• High blood pressure
  
  
• Liver disease
  
  
• Migraines with aura
  
  
• Breast or uterine cancer
  
  
• Smoking, especially if over age 35
  
  

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Do not use Femcon Fe if you’re pregnant.
  
  
• If you become pregnant while on the pill, stop using it immediately.
  
  
• It is not recommended while breastfeeding, especially during the first 6 weeks after delivery.
  
  

Some medicines and supplements can make Femcon Fe less effective:

• Antibiotics (like rifampin)
  
  
• Anti-seizure medicines (like carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  
  
• HIV medicines
  
  
• St. John’s wort (herbal supplement)
  
  

Also, Femcon Fe may interact with other hormone treatments. Always tell your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you use.

Each Femcon Fe tablet contains:

• Ethinyl estradiol (35 mcg) – estrogen
  
  
• Norethindrone (0.4 mg) – progestin
  
  
• Ferrous fumarate (75 mg) – iron (in the brown pills)
  
  

General Guidelines:

• Take one tablet every day
  
  
• Chew or swallow the tablet—do not skip days
  
  
• Take pills in the order provided
  
  
• If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, use backup birth control for 7 days
  
  

Femcon Fe works best when taken at the same time every day, without missing any doses.

Femcon Fe is a prescription-only medicine, which means you must see a doctor or healthcare provider to get it.

Before prescribing Femcon Fe, your doctor will:

• Ask about your medical history
  
  
• Check your blood pressure
  
  
• Ask about smoking and other risk factors
  
  
• May perform a pelvic exam or Pap smear
  
  

Once prescribed, you will usually get a one-month or three-month supply, with refills as needed. You should also schedule regular check-ups while using birth control pills.

• What is Femcon FE used for?
  It is a combination oral contraceptive pill (COC) used to prevent pregnancy.
  It may also help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps, and make periods lighter.

• What is the active ingredient?

  • Norethindrone (a progestin)

  • Ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen)
    The “FE” refers to ferrous fumarate (iron) tablets included for non-hormonal days.

• How does Femcon FE work?
  It prevents pregnancy by:

  • Stopping ovulation (no egg release)

  • Thickening cervical mucus (blocks sperm entry)

  • Thinning the uterine lining (prevents implantation)

• What makes Femcon FE unique?
  It was the first chewable birth control pill, designed for easier swallowing and convenient daily use.

• How is Femcon FE taken?

  • One tablet daily, at the same time each day.

  • 21 active (hormonal) tablets followed by 7 iron (placebo) tablets.

  • Tablets can be chewed and swallowed with a full glass of water.

• Can Femcon FE be started at any time?
  Yes, but it’s ideal to start on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins.

• What should I do if I miss a pill?
  Take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two or more pills, follow the package instructions and use backup contraception (condoms) for 7 days.

• How effective is Femcon FE?
  Over 99% effective with perfect use; about 91% effective with typical use.

• Does Femcon FE protect against STIs?
  No — it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are recommended for STI protection.

• What are the common side effects?
  Nausea, breast tenderness, mild headache, spotting between periods, or mood changes.

• Are there serious side effects?
  Rare but serious effects include:

  • Blood clots (DVT, PE)

  • Stroke or heart attack (especially in smokers over 35)

  • High blood pressure

  • Liver problems

• Who should not take Femcon FE?

  • Women over 35 who smoke

  • Those with blood clot history, heart disease, stroke, or uncontrolled hypertension

  • Those with certain cancers (breast, uterine, or liver)

• Can Femcon FE help with acne?
  Yes, it may reduce acne and oily skin by stabilizing hormone levels.

• Can Femcon FE be used to regulate periods?
  Yes — it often results in more regular, predictable cycles and lighter bleeding.

• Can I take Femcon FE while breastfeeding?
  Not recommended — it may reduce milk supply. Progestin-only pills are preferred for nursing mothers.

• Can I drink alcohol while taking Femcon FE?
  Yes, alcohol doesn’t affect effectiveness — but excessive drinking can increase nausea or missed doses.

• Does Femcon FE cause weight gain?
  Most women do not experience significant weight gain; mild bloating or water retention is possible.

• Does Femcon FE interact with other medications?
  Yes — effectiveness may be reduced by:

  • Antibiotics (rifampin)

  • Anti-seizure drugs (phenytoin, carbamazepine)

  • Herbal supplements (St. John’s wort)

• Can I switch from another birth control pill to Femcon FE?
  Yes — begin Femcon FE the day after finishing your last active pill pack (no break).

• Is there a generic available?
  Yes — norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol with ferrous fumarate chewable tablets.

• Where can I get Femcon FE?
  Available by prescription only at pharmacies.