Will I get my period on Blisovi Fe?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamie Winn
Aug 18, 2023

Blisovi Fe is a hormonal contraceptive that has active pills containing norethindrone acetate (progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (estrogen), and inactive pills that contain ferrous fumarate (iron supplement). It is used to help prevent ovulation so that you do not become pregnant. While Blisovi Fe helps prevent pregnancy, it will not stop you from getting your period. After finishing the active pills in your pill pack, you should start your period within a few days. This isn't actually a menstrual period, which happens normally with your menstrual cycle. Instead, you will have a withdrawal bleed that may look like a period but is actually caused by a decrease in hormone levels during the time you are taking the placebo pills containing iron.

Blisovi Fe FAQs

How does Blisovi Fe work?

Blisovi Fe is a form of birth control pill that contains synthetic versions of the hormones progesterone and estrogen. It changes levels of these hormones to prevent ovulation and help you not become pregnant. In addition to stopping ovulation, Blisovi Fe causes you to produce more mucus in your cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to get into the womb (uterus). It also keeps the lining of your uterine wall thin all month long so that any egg that is released can’t attach itself to your uterus.

What are the benefits of taking Blisovi Fe?

The main benefit of Blisovi Fe is to prevent pregnancy. It can also help regulate your menstrual periods, decrease premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, improve acne, and reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. Blisovi Fe will not protect you against HIV/AIDs or other sexually transmitted diseases.

How do you take Blisovi Fe?

Blisovi Fe is an oral tablet that you take once a day. You can take it with or without food. You should take Blisovi Fe at the same time each day until your pill pack is empty. Set reminders to help you remember to take your pills every day. Missing pills increases your chances of pregnancy. Don’t skip pills even if you’re bleeding or spotting between your monthly periods or if you feel nauseous.

When you finish a pack of Blisovi Fe or switch brands of birth control pills, start your next pack on the next day after your last inactive pill. Do not wait any days before starting a new pack.

It is not uncommon for you to miss a period while on Blisovi Fe. However, if you miss a period and have not taken Blisovi Fe according to the directions, miss 2 periods in a row, or feel like you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. If you have a positive pregnancy test, you should immediately stop taking Blisovi Fe.

What are the side effects of Blisovi Fe?

The most common side effects of Blisovi Fe 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 may include:

Breakthrough bleeding or other menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
Increased cholesterol, blood sugar, or triglycerides
Bloating
Severe headaches and migraines
Rash
Chest pain
Vision changes
Contact lenses discomfort
Appetite changes

What are the serious side effects of Blisovi Fe?

Rarely, Blisovi Fe 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 this medication, even if you do not smoke
Increased risk of liver tumors and liver disease
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 cancer of your breast, endometrium, ovaries, or cervix

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

What drugs interact with Blisovi Fe?

When Blisovi Fe 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 include:

Hepatitis C Virus drugs containing ritonavir/paritaprevir/ombitasvir, with or without dasabuvir
Anticonvulsants, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital
Tetracycline antibiotics
Cyclosporine
St. John’s wort
Acetaminophen
Theophylline
Rifampin
Atorvastatin

Who should not take Blisovi Fe?

The FDA has a boxed warning for combined oral contraceptives such as Blisovi Fe which states that the risk of stroke and heart attacks is increased if you smoke cigarettes. You should not take Blisovi Fe if you are 35 years of age or older and smoke.

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

Have high cholesterol levels.
Have diabetes with kidney, blood vessel, nerve, or eye damage.
Have liver disease or liver tumors.
Have abnormal uterine bleeding.
Have an increased risk of blood clots.
Have thyroid problems.
Have breast cancer or other progestin or estrogen-sensitive cancer.
Are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.
Have given birth within the last month.
Are breastfeeding or plan on breastfeeding.
Have high blood pressure (hypertension).
Have any unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Can you use Blisovi Fe while breastfeeding?

If you are planning to breastfeed, talk to your healthcare provider before starting Blisovi Fe. Some of this medication will be passed on to the child in your breast milk. A few side effects the child may experience include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and breast enlargement. Blisovi Fe may also lower the amount and quality of your breast milk. If possible, you should not use Blisovi Fe while breastfeeding.

How often will I have a period on Blisovi Fe?

If you are taking Blisovi Fe 1/20 or Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, you will take 1 active pill with hormones once a day for 21 days. You will then take 1 inactive pill with iron once a day for 7 days unless directed by your healthcare provider. You should then have your period every month during the fourth week of your pill pack.

If you are taking Blisovi 24 Fe, you will take 1 active pill with hormones once a day for 24 days. You will then take 1 inactive pill with iron once a day for 4 days unless directed by your healthcare provider. Your period will typically occur every month within 3 days after finishing the active pills. Your period may not be finished before the next pack is started.

Combined oral contraceptives such as Blisovi Fe can also be used to skip your monthly period. You can do this by continuously taking the active pills with hormones and skipping the iron pills at the end of the pill pack. If you want to skip your period, talk with your healthcare provider first to see if it is a good option for you.

How long does it take Blisovi Fe to work?

If it is the first time you are using Blisovi Fe and are starting on a Sunday, you should use a form of non-hormonal birth control such as spermicides or condoms for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy. If you start Blisovi Fe on the first day of your period, you won’t need to use a backup birth control method for the first 7 days.