Junel Fe 24 vs. Lo Loestrin Fe for Birth Control: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Junel Fe 24 (norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol/ f errous fumarate) and Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate) are both combined oral contraceptives (COCs) used to prevent pregnancy. They contain the same active ingredients, norethindrone acetate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), and ferrous fumarate (a form of iron) but differ in their formulation and dosing. Junel Fe 24 is a monophasic contraceptive, meaning all active pills have the same hormone levels, and it includes 24 active tablets and 4 placebo tablets. In contrast, Lo Loestrin Fe is a biphasic contraceptive with 26 active tablets and 2 placebo tablets, and it has a lower dose of ethinyl estradiol. Junel Fe 24 is available as a lower-cost generic, while Lo Loestrin Fe does not have a generic version. Other generics similar to Junel Fe 24 include Aurovela 24 Fe, Blisovi 24 Fe, and Hailey 24 Fe. Common side effects for both include nausea, headache, and breast tenderness. Both medications can increase the risk of blood clots, especially if you smoke and are over 35 years old. Additionally, certain medications like rifampin can interact with both contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.

Junel Fe 24

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Lo Loestrin Fe

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Summary for Junel Fe 24

Prescription only

Junel Fe 24 is a birth control pill that's taken every day to prevent pregnancy. As a combined oral contraceptive (COC), the active pills contain 2 hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), while the inactive pills have some iron. It has a lower estrogen dose and 24 active tablets, compared to the usual 21 in similar COCs. Junel Fe 24 is a monophasic birth control, meaning all active tablets have the same hormone levels. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and weight gain.

Junel Fe 24 is a generic of the discontinued brand name Loestrin 24 Fe. Other generics like Junel Fe 24 include Aurovela 24 fe, Blisovi 24 Fe, Hailey 24 Fe.

Indications for Junel Fe 24

To prevent pregnancy

Pros and Cons for Junel Fe 24

Pros

Taken once daily with or without food
Works well to prevent pregnancy
Inactive pills contain iron, which might lower your risk for anemia

Cons

Raises the risk of a blood clot
Raises the risk of liver problems
Instructions for missed doses vary by week and number of doses missed

Common Side Effects for Junel Fe 24

Headache (6%)
Vaginal yeast infection (6%)
Nausea (5%)
Menstrual cramps (4%)
Breast tenderness (3%)
Acne (3%)
Bacterial vaginal infection (3%)

Warnings for Junel Fe 24

Cigarette smoking and risk for blood clots
Blood clots and strokes
Liver problems
High blood pressure
High blood sugar and triglycerides
Headache
Irregular bleeding
Depression
Risk for breast and cervical cancer
Worsening of other health conditions

Summary for Lo Loestrin Fe

Prescription only

Lo Loestrin Fe is a prescription birth control pill used to help prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones — ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone (a progestin) — along with ferrous fumarate, which is an iron supplement. This low-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC) is taken once a day by mouth in a 28-day cycle: 26 days of active pills and 2 days of placebo pills. Some common side effects include spotting, nausea, and breast tenderness.