provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Junel 1.5/30 Coupon - Junel 1.5/30 21 tablets package

aurovela 1.5/30

Generic Loestrin 21 1.5/30
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

Junel 1.5/30 is a type of birth control called a combined oral contraceptive (COC), meaning it contains both estrogen and progesterone hormones. It's a monophasic birth control pill, so all active tablets contain the same amount of hormones. Junel 1.5/30 also comes in another version that includes iron - you can tell by the "Fe" (which is the symbol for iron) in the name. Junel 1.5/30 contains higher levels of hormones compared with other COCs with the same ingredients, so it might cause more side effects.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Yen Nguyen, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 26, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Junel 1.5/30?

What is Junel 1.5/30 used for?

  • To prevent pregnancy

How Junel 1.5/30 works

Junel 1.5/30 is a combination medication that contains 2 hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). These 2 hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Preventing your ovaries from releasing eggs

  • Changing the mucus in your cervix to make it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus (womb)

  • Changing the lining of the uterus so it's more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant

Junel Fe 1.5/30 (along with its branded generics) is another version of Junel 1.5/30 that contains placebo (hormone-free or inactive) tablets with ferrous fumarate. This is an iron supplement added to lower your risk for low iron levels or anemia when you have bleeding during the days when you're taking the placebo tablets.

Are you looking for information on Junel 1/20 (norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol) or Junel 24 Fe (norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate) instead?
When does Junel 1.5/30 start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsJunel 1.5/30, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, Microgestin 1.5/30, Microgestin Fe 1.5/30
Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$20.77(save 34.85%)
GoodRx discount
$13.53
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Junel 1.5/30?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps and bloating
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Spotting
  • Change in the flow of period
  • Missing periods
  • Swelling
  • Breast changes
  • Weight changes
  • Mental depression
  • Vaginal yeast infection
  • Cornea (eye) changes

Other Side Effects

  • Migraine
  • Allergic rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
When do Junel 1.5/30 possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Changes in menstrual bleeding
Weight changes
Breast changes
Mood changes
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods

anxiety

change in vision

changes in skin color

chest pain or discomfort

chills

clay-colored stools

constipation

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

dizziness or lightheadedness

fainting

fast heartbeat

fever

headache

hives or welts

itching skin

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

medium to heavy, irregular vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods, which may require the use of a pad or a tampon

nausea

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially in the calves of the legs

pounding in the ears

rash

redness of the skin

severe headaches of sudden onset

slow or fast heartbeat

stomach pain

sudden loss of coordination or slurred speech

sweating

troubled breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

vomiting of blood

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Bloating

blotchy spots on the exposed skin

breast enlargement or tenderness

discouragement

feeling sad or empty

irritability

itching of the vagina or outside genitals

loss of interest or pleasure

pain during sexual intercourse

stomach cramps

thick, white curd-like vaginal discharge without odor or with mild odor

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

trouble wearing contact lenses

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Junel 1.5/30

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken once daily

About 99% successful at preventing pregnancy with perfect use

Available as a 21-tablet or 28-tablet pack

All active tablets are one color, so it can be less confusing

thumbs-down

Cons

Higher hormone levels might cause more side effects

Taking it incorrectly can raise the risk of pregnancy

Can affect mood and behavior

Not a safe option for females who smoke

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Junel 1.5/30

pharmacist

  • Let your provider know all of your current medications. Certain medications can make Junel 1.5/30 work less well to prevent pregnancy.

    • Take Junel 1.5/30 at the same time every day. If you miss your pills, there's a chance that you can get pregnant.

      • Let your provider know if you have any abnormal vaginal bleeding (spotting). Continue taking Junel 1.5/30 if spotting or light bleeding occurs in between your periods. Let your provider know if the spotting or bleeding doesn't go away.

        • Make sure to get yearly check ups with your provider so they can monitor health conditions that might be affected by Junel 1.5/30, such as blood pressure and blood sugar.

          • If you have vomiting or diarrhea, Junel 1.5/30 might not work as well to prevent pregnancy. Use a back-up birth control, such as condoms, until you check in with your provider.

            • You might notice swelling in your fingers or ankles while you take Junel 1.5/30. This is a side effect of the birth control. Follow up with your provider regularly if you have other health conditions that might get worse with additional fluid and swelling in your body.

              • Speak to your provider before starting Junel 1.5/30 if you're breastfeeding your child. Small amounts of Junel 1.5/30 can pass into your breast milk and might affect your baby. It can also lower the amount of milk you're able to produce.

                • Talk to your provider if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening mood while taking Junel 1.5/30. Your provider might have you stop this medication if you have serious depression.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Junel 1.5/30

                  Are there any differences between Junel 1.5/30 and Junel FE 1.5/30?
                  Both Junel 1.5/30 and Junel Fe 1.5/30 tablets contain the same amount of hormones and work the same way to prevent pregnancy. But one main difference between them is whether or not they contain iron. Junel 1.5/30 doesn't contain iron, whereas Junel Fe 1.5/30 contains iron in the 7 inactive tablets. During the 7 days that you're not taking any tablets or only taking the inactive tablets, you'll experience withdrawal bleeding, which is like having a period. The purpose of the iron in Junel Fe 1.5/30 is to help lower the risk of anemia (low red blood cells) in people who experience withdrawal bleeding. Talk with your provider if you're not sure which birth control is the best option for you.
                  How is Junel 1.5/30 different from Junel 1/20?
                  Junel 1.5/30 and Junel 1/20 both have the same hormones and are both monophasic COCs. But Junel 1.5/30 contains a higher dose of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol compared with Junel 1/20. Although both COCs work well to prevent pregnancy, your provider might recommend one over the other depending on how much hormones your body might need and the possible side effects that you might experience. For example, your provider might choose Junel 1/20 with the lower estrogen dose to lower your risk for blood clots, especially if you already have risk factors for clots. But your provider might choose Junel 1.5/30 with the higher estrogen dose if you have irregular bleeding. Talk with your provider if you have any concerns about whether Junel 1.5/30 or Junel 1/20 is the better choice for you.
                  When should I expect to get my period when taking Junel 1.5/30?
                  When you take Junel 1.5/30, your period typically comes after your last active tablet, either during your week off from taking any tablets (with the 21-day pack) or when you're taking the inactive iron pills (with the 28-day pack). This isn't a menstrual period, which happens as a part of your menstrual cycle. The bleeding that you get when COCs happens as a result of the drop in hormone levels during your hormone-free week.
                  What happens if I didn't get a period during the hormone-free week?
                  Let your provider know if you didn't get a period during your hormone-free week and whether you forgot to take any pills in the weeks leading up to the missed period. A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy, especially if you missed pills or didn't take your medication as instructed. But sometimes, its also possible to stop having your periods after taking this medication for several months, even if you didn't miss any pills and aren't pregnant. Check with your provider right away to confirm that you aren't pregnant before you continue taking Junel 1.5/30.
                  When can I start taking a different brand of birth control pills if I want to switch?
                  If you're taking Junel 1.5/30, wait 7 days after your last active pill to start your new brand of birth control pills. If you're taking Junel Fe 1.5/30, you can start your new brand of birth control pills the day after you finish your last inactive (iron) pill. For other types of birth control, discuss the best time to switch with your provider.
                  GoodRxEducationalIcon

                  How to save using GoodRx

                  Compare Prices
                  1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                  Select your free coupon
                  2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                  Show coupon to your pharmacist
                  3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                  Get free couponLearn more
                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Junel 1.5/30?

                  Junel 1.5/30 can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems

                  • Risk factors: Female over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes

                    If you smoke cigarettes, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs), like Junel 1.5/30, raises your risk for serious health problems, such as strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Females age 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your provider about safer birth control alternatives.

                    risk-warning

                    Blood clots and strokes

                    • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke | Females over 40 years old who don't smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bed rest | Starting Junel 1.5/30 less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                      Junel 1.5/30 raises your risk of blood clots. These clots can occur anywhere in your body, including your lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE), legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot:

                      • Brain: weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion

                        • Eyes: trouble seeing, bulging eye, double vision

                          • Heart: chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness

                            • Lungs: trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough

                              • Legs: cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness

                                If you need to have surgery, tell your provider you're taking Junel 1.5/30. They might have you stop taking it 4 weeks before until 2 weeks after your surgery to lower your risk of blood clots.

                                risk-warning

                                Irregular bleeding

                                People who take Junel 1.5/30 can sometimes experience irregular bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of taking it. Irregular bleeding can vary from slight staining to bleeding similar to a regular period. This problem might be temporary, so continue taking your medication as directed. Let your provider know if the bleeding is a problem for you and they can change your birth control. If you miss your period, make sure you get a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant or contact your provider.

                                risk-warning

                                High blood pressure

                                • Risk factors: Older age | Using COCs for a long time | High blood pressure | Kidney problems

                                  Junel 1.5/30 can raise your blood pressure, so make sure you monitor your blood pressure while you're taking this medication. The risk is higher in people who are older and have been taking birth control pills for a long period of time. Speak to your provider if you have high blood pressure or kidney problems, and they can help you pick a different method of birth control that's safer for you. Your blood pressure can return to normal after stopping Junel 1.5/30.

                                  risk-warning

                                  High blood sugar and cholesterol

                                  • Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | High triglycerides

                                    Junel 1.5/30 can raise your blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. Speak with your provider before starting oral contraceptives if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or high cholesterol. If you choose to take Junel 1.5/30 with those health conditions, your provider will monitor you regularly.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Risk of breast and cervical cancer

                                    • Risk factors: History of breast cancer | Taking COCs for a long time

                                      Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Junel 1.5/30 and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                                      Don't use Junel 1.5/30 if you have breast cancer because some types of breast cancer grow faster in the presence of estrogen, an ingredient in this birth control pill. To help with early breast cancer detection, you can do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                                      Get medical help right away if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pain during sex, since these could be signs of cervical cancer.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Headache

                                      Let your provider know if you experience new or worsening migraines or headaches while taking Junel 1.5/30. You might have to stop taking it if your migraine or headache doesn't go away or becomes severe.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Interactions with other medications

                                      Certain medications can make Junel 1.5/30 get broken down faster in your body, making it less effective which can lead to pregnancy. Some examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin). Use a back-up method or other form of birth control for at least 28 days after stopping any of these medications. Other medications can raise the amount of Junel 1.5/30 in your body, which can lead to more side effects. Make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist all of your medications so they can make sure they don't interact with Junel 1.5/30.

                                      dosage

                                      Junel 1.5/30 dosage forms

                                      The average cost for 1 package of 21 tablets of Junel 1.5/30 is $13.53 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 34.85% off the average retail price of $20.77.
                                      package
                                      Package
                                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                      21 tablets1 package$13.53$13.53

                                      Typical dosing for Junel 1.5/30

                                      Your medication might look different and have slightly different directions depending on which branded generic your provider prescribes. Please take the medication as instructed by your provider. In general:

                                      Junel 1.5/30 (and its branded generics) comes in a 21-day pack. Each tablet contains 1.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol.

                                      • The typical dose is to take 1 tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days off (not taking any tablets).

                                      Junel Fe 1.5/30 (and its branded generics) comes in a 28-day pack. There are 21 active tablets and they each contain 1.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol. There are 7 placebo tablets and they each contains 75 mg of ferrous fumarate.

                                      • The typical dose is to take 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet daily for the remaining 7 days.

                                      interactions

                                      Interactions between Junel 1.5/30 and other drugs

                                      Junel 1.5/30 may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Junel 1.5/30. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                      drug-cost

                                      How much does Junel 1.5/30 cost?

                                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                                      Loestrin 21 1.5/30 (brand)
                                      GoodRx lowest price

                                      $13.53

                                      0
                                      Junel 1.5/30 (generic)
                                      GoodRx lowest price

                                      $13.53

                                      (save 34.85%)
                                      View prices & coupons
                                      contraindications-icon

                                      Junel 1.5/30 contraindications

                                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Junel 1.5/30 will not be safe for you to take.

                                      • Current or history of blood clots

                                      • Coronary artery disease (problems with blood flow to the heart)

                                      • Cerebral vascular disease (problems with blood flow to the brain)

                                      • Current or history of breast cancer

                                      • Endometrial cancer or other estrogen-dependent tumor

                                      • Unexplained vaginal bleeding that hasn't been diagnosed

                                      • Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during previous use of the medication

                                      • Liver tumors or cancer

                                      • Pregnancy

                                      alternatives

                                      What are alternatives to Junel 1.5/30?

                                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Junel 1.5/30. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                      Junel 1.5/30
                                      Used for:

                                      • To prevent pregnancy

                                      $13.53 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      Pirmella 1/35
                                      Used for:

                                      • To prevent pregnancy

                                      $29.97 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      Apri
                                      Used for:
                                      $22.94 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      images

                                      Junel 1.5/30 images

                                      Pink Round 978 And B - Junel 1.5 / 30 21-Day Tablet
                                      This medicine is Pink, Round Package Imprinted With "B" And "978".Pink Round 978 And B - Junel 1.5 / 30 21-Day Tablet

                                      Get savings updates for Junel 1.5/30

                                      Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Junel 1.5/30 and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                                      By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                                      Browse medications

                                      View All

                                      Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.