How It Works
The hormones in Loryna work together to prevent pregnancy in three ways:
- First, the medication stops ovulation, meaning it prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg.
- Second, Loryna thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
- Third, it thins the uterine lining, which makes implantation of a fertilized egg less likely.
When used to treat acne, Loryna works by lowering testosterone levels, leading to decreased oil production and fewer clogged pores.
For PMDD, the medication helps balance hormone levels to reduce severe symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and bloating.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Yaz, Yasmin, Vestura, Nikki, Syeda |
| Drug Class | Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive |
| Generic Status | Generic is available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Loryna is dispensed in a 28-day blister pack that contains 24 active hormone tablets and 4 inactive placebo tablets. Providers generally recommend taking one tablet by mouth at the same time every day. Patients are instructed to take the pills in the exact order shown on the packaging.
The standard dosing schedule involves taking one active tablet daily for 24 consecutive days, followed by taking one placebo tablet daily for the remaining 4 days. Once a 28-day pack is finished, standard guidelines suggest starting a new pack the next day.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
Loryna is FDA-approved for different uses. It is approved to prevent pregnancy in women, to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and to treat moderate acne in individuals who also want an oral contraceptive for birth control.
Off-Label Uses
You may see Loryna prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
Healthcare providers may prescribe medications like Loryna off-label for hormone-related issues, including regulating menstrual cycles, decreasing the severity of painful periods, or reducing the risk of developing ovarian cysts.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Loryna can cause side effects. Some common side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Headache or migraine
- Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Mood changes or irritability
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Lower sex drive
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur.
- Blood clots: Loryna increases the risk of blood clots in the legs, lungs, heart, or brain. This risk is higher in individuals over the age of 35 who smoke cigarettes.
- High potassium levels: The drospirenone in Loryna can increase blood potassium levels. Symptoms of this include muscle weakness, nausea, and an irregular heartbeat.
- Liver problems: In rare cases, Loryna can cause liver damage or benign liver tumors. Signs of liver issues include yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness, and dark urine.
- Gallbladder issues: Taking Loryna may increase the likelihood of gallbladder problems, including gallstones. You should seek medical attention if you experience upper stomach pain or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) while taking Loryna.
- High blood pressure: Loryna has the potential to elevate blood pressure, which may require monitoring by a provider. The risk is generally higher for older individuals or those who have used hormonal contraceptives for a prolonged period.
- Severe allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to the ingredients in Loryna. Symptoms to watch for include trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, racing heart, and hives.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Take At The Same Time
Providers recommend taking your pill at the same time every day. This helps maintain steady hormone levels to prevent pregnancy. Setting a daily alarm can help keep this regular schedule.
Manage Missed Doses
Pharmacists note that if you miss one active pill, you should take it as soon as you remember, which might mean taking two pills in a single day. If you fully miss a dose, it can increase your chances of becoming pregnant, so you may need to use a backup birth control method.
Watch For Vomiting Or Diarrhea
If you experience severe diarrhea or vomiting within three to four hours of taking an active tablet, your body may not have fully absorbed the medication. This can count as a missed dose, and you should use a backup birth control method until you can consult your prescriber.
Avoid Smoking
Guidelines recommend against taking Loryna if you smoke cigarettes and are 35 or older. Smoking while on this medication raises your risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke.
Limit Sun Exposure
If you have a history of chloasma, a condition causing dark spots on the skin, providers advise that you avoid excessive UV exposure while taking Loryna.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications and substances can interact with Loryna, potentially altering how it works or increasing the risk of side effects.
- Potassium-elevating medications: Taking Loryna alongside ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), potassium-sparing diuretics, or potassium supplements can cause there to be too much potassium in your body.
- Hepatitis C treatments: You should generally not use Loryna if you are taking certain hepatitis C combination medications, particularly those containing ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir.
- Anticonvulsant drugs: Medications commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, and topiramate, can interact with Loryna.
- Antibiotics: Certain antibiotic medications, including rifampin, rifabutin, and penicillins, have the potential to interact with Loryna and alter its effectiveness.
- Grapefruit juice: Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while on Loryna can lead to a disproportionate increase in the amount of estrogens in your system.
- St. John’s wort: The herbal supplement St. John’s wort can interact with Loryna, so its use should be discussed with a provider.
- NSAIDs: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may interact with Loryna.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
How long does it usually take for Loryna to start improving hormonal acne?
Clinical studies indicate that it typically takes several months of consistent use for Loryna to noticeably improve acne. A reduction in acne spots may be noticeable after about six months of treatment.
What is the difference between generic Loryna and the brand-name pill Yaz?
Loryna is a generic version of Yaz, meaning both medications contain the same active hormones (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) in identical dosages. While the physical tablets might look different, they are designed to work the same way in the body.
Why does this birth control pack only have four placebo pills instead of the usual seven?
Loryna utilizes a 24/4 dosing schedule, which provides 24 active hormone pills and only 4 placebo pills. This shortened hormone-free interval is designed to help reduce withdrawal symptoms that some women experience during their period, such as headaches or mood fluctuations.
Can I skip the four inactive pills and start a new pack immediately to avoid having a period?
You should always consult your healthcare provider before altering how you take Loryna. Standard directions include taking the four placebo pills before starting a new pack.
What should I do if I miss one active pill during the first week of my pack?
Guidelines state that if you miss a single active pill, you should take it as soon as you remember. You can then continue taking the rest of your pack at the usual time. In this situation, you typically do not need backup birth control, but it is best to consult with your doctor about whether another type of contraception is necessary.
How long does it take for Loryna to help manage severe PMS or PMDD symptoms?
While individual responses vary, patients taking Loryna for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) generally experience gradual improvements in symptoms like irritability and mood swings over their first few menstrual cycles as hormone levels stabilize.
Will taking this pill at night or with a meal help prevent the nausea it sometimes causes?
Pharmacists suggest that taking Loryna with food or shortly after a meal can help reduce stomach upset and nausea, which are common side effects.
How does Loryna compare to higher-dose pills like Yasmin or Syeda?
Loryna is classified as a low-dose oral contraceptive because it contains 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. In contrast, pills like Yasmin contain a higher dose of estrogen (30 mcg), which may lead to a different side effect profile for some people.
Can I take over-the-counter ibuprofen while on this medication?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can interact with Loryna, potentially affecting potassium levels or kidney function. It is generally recommended to consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider before combining these medications.
How long after stopping Loryna will my regular menstrual cycle typically return to normal?
Because individual responses vary, it is best to talk with your healthcare provider about menstrual cycle changes after you stop taking Loryna.
Comparable Medications
Loryna, drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yaz), drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin), drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Syeda), and Sprintec?
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol
Yaz is the brand-name combination birth control pill that is therapeutically equivalent to the generic Loryna, and it is used to prevent pregnancy, treat PMDD, and improve acne.
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol
Yasmin is another combination hormonal contraceptive that utilizes the same active ingredients as Loryna but contains a different estrogen dosage.
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol
Syeda is a combination birth control medication with different dosages than Loryna.
Combination hormonal contraceptive
Sprintec is another type of hormonal birth control with multiple active ingredients.
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Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.