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Compare Junel Fe 24 vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

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
    Lo loestrin fe
  • Junel fe 24
    Lo loestrin fe

  • Summary of Junel Fe 24 vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    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. <br> 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.

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    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.

  • Indications of Junel Fe 24 vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy
    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy

  • Pros and Cons of Junel Fe 24 vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    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
    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •Contains a very low estrogen dose
    •Shorter, lighter periods compared to other birth control pills
    •Placebo pills have an iron supplement, which might reduce the risk of anemia
    Cons
    •Must be taken at the same time every day
    •More breakthrough bleeding or spotting compared to other birth control pills
    •Can raise risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Junel Fe 24 vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (6%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (6%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Menstrual cramps (4%)
    •Breast tenderness (3%)
    •Acne (3%)
    •Bacterial vaginal infection (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea or vomiting (7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Irregular bleeding (5%)
    •Menstrual cramps (4%)
    •Changes in weight (4%)
    •Breast tenderness (4%)

  • Warnings of Junel Fe 24 vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Junel Fe 24 vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

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