Does Blisovi Fe 1/20 prevent ovulation?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamie Winn
Aug 18, 2023

Blisovi Fe 1/20 is a hormonal contraceptive that contains the active ingredients norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. It also contains ferrous fumarate, which is an iron supplement. Norethindrone acetate is a progestin, which is a synthetic form of progesterone, while ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic form of estrogen.

Progesterone and estrogen primarily stop you from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation. Chronic (long-term) estrogen exposure inhibits the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to help prevent pregnancy. Progesterone works at the hypothalamus to decrease the activity of a hormone called the gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This reduces the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

FSH and LH hormones are produced in your pituitary gland that work together in the reproductive process. This process actually begins before the start of your menstrual period. Specifically, FSH stimulates follicles on your ovaries to grow and prepare the eggs for ovulation. As the follicles get bigger, they begin to release estrogen and a low level of progesterone into your blood. After about 10 to 14 days, only one of these developing follicles forms a fully mature egg. A surge in LH then causes your ovaries to release the mature egg.

By changing the levels of these hormones, Blisovi Fe 1/20 can prevent pregnancy. In addition to preventing ovulation, it produces more mucus in your cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to get into the uterus. It also keeps the lining of your uterine wall thin all month long so that any released egg cannot attach itself to the uterus.

Besides preventing pregnancy, Blisovi Fe 1/20 is also used to regulate your menstrual periods, reduce your risk of ovarian cysts, and improve acne. Blisovi Fe 1/20 will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDs.

Blisovi Fe 1/20 FAQs

How does Blisovi Fe 1/20 work?

Blisovi Fe 1/20 is a hormonal form of birth control. It contains synthetic progestin and estrogen that are used to prevent ovulation. It also keeps the egg and sperm apart by increasing your cervical mucus and it makes it difficult for a released egg to attach to your uterus.

What is the recommended dose of Blisovi Fe 1/20?

Blisovi Fe 1/20 is an oral tablet that is taken once a day, at the same time each day. You can take this medication with or without food. It may cause nausea, so you can take it with food to help reduce this risk.

Depending on when you first start taking Blisovi Fe 1/20, it may not be effective right away. It is recommended to use a backup birth control method, including condoms or spermicide, for 7 days if you start on Sunday. If you start at the beginning of your period, you will not need backup contraception. See the package insert with this medication for more information on how to take Blisovi Fe 1/20.

What are the common side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20?

The most common side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20 from clinical trials include:

Headache
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Menstrual cramps
Vaginal yeast infection
Acne
Bacterial vaginal infection
Weight gain
Mood changes

Other side effects of Blisovi Fe 1/20 may include:

Breakthrough bleeding or abnormal menstrual cycles
Increased cholesterol, blood sugar, or triglycerides
Bloating
Skin rash
Chest pain
Severe headaches and migraines
Vision changes and contact lenses discomfort
Appetite changes

Are there serious side effects with Blisovi Fe 1/20?

Rarely, Blisovi Fe 1/20 may cause some serious side effects, including:

Increased risk of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, especially in women over the age of 35 that smoke
Increased risk of blood clots and stroke, especially in the first year after starting Blisovi Fe 1/20 regardless of if you smoke or not
Increased risk of liver tumors, liver disease, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
Serious life-threatening allergic reaction (hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, and shortness of breath)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Gallbladder disease and gallstones
Possible increased risk of cancer, including endometrial and breast cancer

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Blisovi Fe 1/20. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Are there any drug interactions with Blisovi Fe1/20?

When Blisovi Fe 1/20 is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Some drug interactions with Blisovi Fe 1/20 include:

Hepatitis C Virus drugs containing ritonavir/paritaprevir/ombitasvir, with or without dasabuvir
Seizure medications such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine
Certain antibiotics such as tetracyclines
St. John’s wort
Atorvastatin
Acetaminophen
Rifampin
Theophylline
Cyclosporine

What precautions and warnings are there with Blisovi Fe 1/20?

The FDA has a boxed warning for Blisovi Fe 1/20 that states:

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of severe cardiovascular events when using combination oral contraceptives (COC).
Blisovi Fe 1/20 is contradicted in women who are 35 years of age and smoke.

You should also be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you:

Are above 35 years old and smoke.
Have liver disease or liver tumors.
Have high cholesterol.
Have a clotting disorder or have a high risk of blood clots.
Have diagnosed or undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.
Have breast cancer or other progestin or estrogen-sensitive cancer.
Are pregnant or have given birth within the last month.
Are breastfeeding.
Have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Take any Hepatitis C drug combination containing ombitasvir, ritonavir, or paritaprevir.
Have any unexplained or high levels of vaginal bleeding.

Can you get pregnant while on Blisovi Fe 1/20?

When you take oral contraceptives such as Blisovi Fe 1/20 correctly without missing pills, the chance of becoming pregnant is typically less than 1%. Your chance of getting pregnant will increase with each missed pill during a menstrual cycle.

Does Blisovi Fe 1/20 cause weight gain?

It is not likely that the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) will cause any significant weight gain. There have been studies that looked at the use of COCs and weight gain and they could not find any link between the two. That being said, it does not mean that you might not gain weight while on Blisovi Fe 1/20. In clinical trials with this medication, it is listed as a common side effect. This typically means that it is expected to happen in at least 1% of women taking Blisovi Fe 1/20.

Is it safe to take Blisovi Fe 1/20 if you smoke cigarettes?

Blisovi Fe 1/20 carries a boxed warning from the FDA stating that smoking increases your risk of serious and sometimes life-threatening cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The risk of these events increases with age and if you smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day. Blisovi Fe 1/20 should be avoided in women who are over 35 years old and smoke.

How should Blisovi Fe 1/20 be stored?

Blisovi Fe 1/20 should be stored at room temperature around 77° F (25° C). However, excursions are permitted as long as temperatures remain between 59° to 86° F (15° to 30° C). Keep Blisovi Fe 1/20 and all medications out of the reach of children.

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