When it comes to loestrin side effects and rheumatoid arthritis, what is important to know? Learn about loestrin and how it affects those with rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Loestrin?
To best answer the question about loestrin side effects and rheumatoid arthritis, its important to understand what loestrin is and how it works.
The oral contraceptive Loestrin was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in XX and is manufactured by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. There are generic versions of the birth control available. Watson’s generic version, microgestin, was approved by the FDA in 2001. Another version is known as junel.
Several varieties of Loestrin are on the market, including Loestrin 24 Fe, Loestrin FE 1/20, Loestrin 1.5/30 and Loestrin Fe.
How Does Loestrin Work?
Loestrin is a combination of the hormones progestin and estrogen. This combination is used to stop ovulation, alter cervical mucus and change the endometrium. These actions make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. They also affect the receptiveness of endometrium to embryos.
How Does Loestrin Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The hormones that make up loestrin were used in a 2000 study with results that helped support “a link between hormonal status and disease activity in RA and open new venues for future therapeutic intervention to combat this debilitating disease.” Hormone imbalances can add to joint pain, so it is wise to consult with your treating physician regarding your hormone levels.
In What Other Ways Can Loestrin Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Loestrin side effects and rheumatoid arthritis aside, there is another way loestrin can affect rheumatoid arthritis. It is the drug interaction factor.
It’s not just other prescription medications that can be a problem for patients taking loestrin. Certain supplements, herbs, foods and beverages can also negatively interact with prescription medication. For example, some rheumatoid arthritis patients use St. John’s wort. This can interact negatively with loestrin, so it’s critical to discuss it with your prescribing physician and pharmacist.
If you consume certain foods known to trigger arthritis flare-ups, it could be easily confused with side effects from the loestrin. Check with your doctor regarding your diet while on loestrin. Some foods that can trigger flare-ups are coffee, certain meats, certain dairy products, citrus fruits, nuts and potatoes. Dairy products, eggs and meat can aid in hormone imbalance, which can contribute to painful joints.
References:
Watson gets OK for generic Daypro, Ritalin, Loestrin. March 26, 2001. Bnet. https://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3374/is_4_23/ai_72987481/
Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives). Last updated July 8, 2007. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000050
Supplement Guide: St John’s Wort. Arthritis Today. https://www.arthritistoday.org/treatments/supplement-guide/supplements/st-johns-wort.php
Estrogen and progesterone regulation of human fibroblast-like synoviocyte function in vitro: implications in rheumatoid arthritis. Khalkhali-Ellis A, Sefto EA, Nieva DR, Handa RJ, Prcie RH Jr, Kirschmann DA, Baragi VM, Sharma RV, Bhalla RC, Moore TL, Hendrix MJ. July 2000. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10914842
Food and Arthritis. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. https://www.pcrm.org/health/prevmed/arthritis.html
