Blisovi Fe 1/20 side effects and how to avoid them

In this article:

• Common side effects
• Serious side effects
• How soon do side effects start?
• How long do side effects last?
• Long-term side effects
• Contraindications
• Warnings
• Interactions
• How to avoid
• How to treat the side effects

In this article

• Common side effects
• Serious side effects
• How soon do side effects start?
• How long do side effects last?
• Long-term side effects
• Contraindications
• Warnings
• Interactions
• How to avoid
• How to treat the side effects

Blisovi Fe 1/20 (ethinyl estradiol–norethindrone) is a brand-name prescription hormonal birth control pill that prevents pregnancy. More specifically, it’s a combination oral contraceptive, containing both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). Each month’s worth of pills contains 21 oral contraceptive pills (yellow active pills) and seven ferrous fumarate pills (brown inactive pills). It works to stop ovulation (the release of an egg) and also causes changes in the cervical mucus and endometrial lining to reduce the chance of pregnancy. 

Common side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20

The most common Blisovi Fe 1/20 side effects are nausea, breast soreness, and breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods, explains Erika Gray, Pharm.D.. “Some patients also report mild bloating or fatigue when they first start the pill,” Dr. Gray says.

 The following are some of the common side effects seen with Blisovi Fe 1/20:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal effects, like bloating, stomach cramps, loss of appetite
• Irregular vaginal bleeding between periods
• Spotting
• Changes in menstrual flow
• Lack of a menstrual period
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or legs (edema)
• Breast tenderness and enlargement
• Weight changes, either an increase or a decrease in weight
• Headaches or migraines
• Rashes (a potential sign of allergic reaction)
• Mood changes, like depression
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Trouble wearing contact lenses
• Blood sugar changes in women with diabetes

Blisovi Fe 1/20 and weight gain

Changes in weight can occur for some people who take Blisovi Fe 1/20, though there is no data about how frequently this occurs. “Concerns about weight gain are common, but most evidence suggests that combination birth control pills like Blisovi Fe 1/20 do not cause significant or long-term weight gain,” Dr. Gray shares. “Some users may experience fluid retention or appetite changes early on, but this typically stabilizes.”

 If you have any questions about weight gain while taking Blisovi Fe 1/20, or if other concerning symptoms accompany your weight gain, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Blisovi Fe 1/20 and mood changes

Depression is another possible side effect of Blisovi Fe 1/20. Some users also report nervousness. “Mood swings or emotional changes can occur in some individuals,” Dr. Gray shares. People with a history of anxiety or depression are more prone to these symptoms while taking Blisovi Fe 1/20, Dr. Gray adds.

 Mild mood swings are common when starting Blisovi Fe 1/20 and often improve as your body adjusts. But if you’re experiencing severe mood swings or anxiety and depression that make it hard to go about daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.

Serious side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20

Most women don’t have serious side effects when taking Blisovi Fe 1/20, but they are possible.

“Like all birth control pills, the most serious complication or side effect is blood clots that can travel to the lungs,” says Adi Davidov, MD, associate chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital. Any individual with a known clotting disorder should not take estrogen-containing birth control pills, Dr. Davidov advises.

 The following are some of the serious side effects that may occur when taking Blisovi Fe 1/20:

• Blood clots in the veins, arteries, lungs, brain, or eyes
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Increased blood pressure (hypertension)
• Gallbladder disease
• New or worsened swelling of the face, hands, feet, or throat (angioedema) in women with hereditary angioedema
• Benign liver tumors or other liver problems, which may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, or fever

How soon do Blisovi Fe 1/20 side effects start?

If you’re going to experience side effects from Blisovi Fe 1/20, they usually begin within the first few weeks of starting the medication, as your body adjusts to hormonal changes, says Dr. Gray. “Symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, and spotting usually occur within the first one to two cycles,” she says. “Some people may notice immediate changes, while others gradually experience side effects.”

How long do Blisovi Fe 1/20 side effects last?

Dr. Gray says most side effects from Blisovi Fe 1/20 resolve within about three months after starting the medication. This is because your body needs time to acclimate to the hormonal changes. “If side effects continue beyond the third cycle or significantly disrupt daily life, it’s important to speak with a provider to reassess whether this pill is the right fit,” Dr Gray advises.

What are the long-term side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20?

Although long-term side effects don’t typically occur while taking Blisovi Fe 1/20, they are possible. “Long-term use may increase the risk of gallbladder disease and impact cardiovascular health,” Dr. Gray says. “Regular follow-up and communication with a provider is important to monitor for any developing concerns.”

 Some studies have shown a potentially increased risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer after using birth control pills like Blisovi Fe 1/20. However, other studies suggest that women who take combination oral contraceptives like Blisovi Fe 1/20 experience a lower risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer.

Blisovi Fe 1/20 contraindications

While most people can safely take Blisovi Fe 1/20, some individuals should avoid it. Here’s what to know.

Certain health conditions

Dr. Davidov says anyone with a clotting disorder should not take Blisovi 1/20. If you smoke or have high blood pressure, you should also avoid taking Blisovi 1/20, he says. According to Dr. Gray, people with liver disease, heart disease, or estrogen-sensitive cancers should also avoid Blisovi 1/20.

Breastfeeding and pregnancy

During breastfeeding—especially in the first six weeks or so—birth control containing estrogen can impact milk production, says Dr. Grey. “In terms of breastfeeding, you should ask your doctor whether Blisovi is right for you while breastfeeding,” Dr. Davidov recommends. Many healthcare providers will recommend progesterone-only birth control for breastfeeding mothers, he says. 

Your healthcare provider may recommend a different form of birth control while breastfeeding, such as the progesterone-only pill (mini-pill) or non-hormonal options like condoms and spermicide.

 As for pregnancy, anyone who is pregnant should not take Blisovi 1/20.

Age restrictions

There is no absolute age restriction when it comes to Blisovi 1/20, says Dr. Davidov. That said, as you get older, your risk of complications from birth control increases, so it’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider as you get older, Dr. Davidov recommends.

Blisovi Fe 1/20 warnings

There are no current FDA recalls of Blisovi Fe 1/20. 

Serious side effects from an overdose aren’t common. However, if you take more than the recommended amount, you may experience nausea and withdrawal bleeding. Seek medical advice from a healthcare professional right away in the event of an overdose.

 Blisovi Fe 1/20 carries a black box warning about an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events from cigarette smoking. This risk is especially high in women who are over 35 years old and smoke regularly. Therefore, Blisovi Fe 1/20 should not be used by women over 35 who smoke.

 According to the manufacturer’s guidelines, the use of oral contraceptives like Blisovi Fe 1/20 can increase your risk of developing conditions like heart attacks, blood clots, stroke, benign liver tumors, and gallbladder disease. The chances of these occurring are increased if you also have the following underlying risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Blisovi Fe 1/20 interactions

Most medications are safe to take with Blisovi Fe 1/20, but some may cause unwanted drug interactions. Always consult a healthcare provider about other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements being taken before starting Blisovi Fe 1/20. Here are some key interactions to know about:

• Rifampin, a medication to treat tuberculosis, may cause Blisovi Fe 1/20 to be less effective and increase the risk of breakthrough bleeding.
• Anticonvulsants, including phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine, can cause Blisovi Fe 1/20 to be less effective.
• Troglitazone, a diabetes drug, can decrease the effectiveness of Blisovi Fe 1/20.
• Some antibiotics like ampicillin, tetracycline, and griseofulvin have been reported to increase the chances of getting pregnant while taking Blisovi Fe 1/20, but the evidence is mixed.
• Atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, may increase the concentration of Blisovi Fe 1/20 in your body, leading to increased side effects.
• Blisovi Fe 1/20 can affect thyroid test results, making it look like you have higher thyroid hormone levels even though your thyroid function is normal.
• Taking Blisovi Fe 1/20 with certain hepatitis C treatments like ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir may cause serious liver problems. 

 No published data exists on the interactions between Blisovi Fe and foods like grapefruit or beverages like coffee or alcohol. If you have concerns about interactions between Blisovi Fe 1/20 and foods or drinks, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider.

How to avoid Blisovi Fe 1/20 side effects

While you may not be able to avoid all the side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20, you can take steps to minimize them. These might include:

• Taking the pill at the same time each day
• Taking the pill after eating if you experience nausea
• Talking to your healthcare provider about any underlying conditions you may have that could increase your risk of serious side effects, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol
• Stopping smoking before taking Blisovi Fe 1/20
• Staying up to date on your gynecological visits, including pap smears and breast exams
• Setting reminders to take your pills each day, especially if you think you may forget

How to treat the side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20

As Dr. Gray mentions, some of the side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20—like nausea, breast soreness, and spotting—usually decrease as your body adjusts to the medication.

 Although breakthrough bleeding may be alarming, Dr. Davidov says it’s usually not a reason to worry. “The breakthrough bleeding is not dangerous, and I often tell patients that they should seek help if the spotting they’re having is interfering with their life,” he recommends. “If that’s the case, I usually switch to a slightly higher estrogen dose.”

 Still, other side effects may be more concerning. Visit your provider right away or seek emergency medical care if you have signs of blood clots, heart attacks, or other serious conditions after taking Blisovi Fe 1/20. Signs of serious reactions include:

• Chest pain, jaw pain, or pain in the upper left arm
• Dizziness or fainting
• Feeling confused
• Pain or swelling in the groin or calf area
• Difficulty speaking
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Severe headache
• Vision changes