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Junel FE 24 Coupon - Junel FE 24 28 tablets of 1mg/20mcg package

norethindrone acetate / ethinyl estradiol / ferrous fumarate

Generic Junel Fe 24
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

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.

Last reviewed on September 9, 2024
basics-icon

What is Junel Fe 24?

What is Junel Fe 24 used for?

How Junel Fe 24 works

Junel Fe 24 is a combination medication that contains two hormones: norethindrone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Stopping ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)

  • Changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement

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

Junel Fe 24 also contains inactive (hormone-free) tablets with ferrous fumarate. This iron supplement is added to reduce your risk of anemia during the days you’re taking the inactive tablets and may experience bleeding.

Drug Facts

Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$210.46(save 83.29%)
GoodRx discount
$35.17
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What are the side effects of Junel Fe 24?

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

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

Other Side Effects

  • Weight gain
  • Mood changes
  • Irregular bleeding
  • Depression
  • Higher blood pressure

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, arm pain, shortness of breath, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, drooping 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
  • Serious liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • New or worsening migraines or headaches
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
  • Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
  • Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
  • Nausea
  • Weight gain
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Junel Fe 24

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken once daily with or without food

Works well to prevent pregnancy

Inactive pills contain iron, which might lower your risk for anemia

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Junel Fe 24

pharmacist
  • Set an alarm for the same time every day to help you remember to take Junel Fe 24. The chance of accidentally getting pregnant gets higher if you forget to take a pill while you're sexually active.

    • Let your OB-GYN provider or pharmacist know all of your current medications. Certain medications like rifampin (Rifadin), can interact with Junel Fe 24 and make it work less well to prevent pregnancy. And you might need to use a back-up method of birth control.

      • If you start Junel Fe 24 on the first Sunday after your period, use a back-up method of birth control for 7 days because its pregnancy-prevention effects haven't fully kicked in yet. But if you start Junel Fe 24 on the first day of your period, you won't need to use a back-up birth control.

        • If you want to start Junel Fe 24 after having a baby, check with your OB-GYN provider first. You need to wait at least 4 weeks after delivering your baby before you can start this medication. Starting any earlier raises your risk of blood clots.

          • If you vomit or have diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours after taking Junel Fe 24, take another active tablet from your pack. If these symptoms last more than 1 day, the medication might not work as well to prevent pregnancy. So it's recommended to use another form of birth control, like condoms or spermicides, until you speak with your OB-GYN.

            • Wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds to protect your skin while you're taking Junel Fe 24. This medication can cause some areas of the face, such as the forehead, nose, and cheeks, to darken. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can darken these areas of skin even more.

              • Speak to your OB-GYN provider before starting Junel Fe 24 if you're breastfeeding. This medication can lower your milk supply so you might need to consider another form of birth control.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Junel Fe 24

                Is Junel Fe 24 discontinued?
                No, Junel Fe 24 isn't discontinued. Junel Fe 24 and other branded generics like Aurovela 24 Fe, Blisovi 24 Fe, and Hailey 24 Fe are available with a prescription from your healthcare professional (HCP). But the brand name Loestrin 24 Fe has been discontinued.
                Does Junel Fe 24 cause weight gain?
                In clinical studies, about 2% of people who took Junel Fe 24 reported weight gain. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) like Junel Fe 24 can cause your body to hold onto more water, which can lead to weight gain. This means that it's possible that weight gain is from water weight, which typically goes away with time. Talk to your prescriber if you're concerned about weight gain while taking this birth control.
                Is Blisovi 24 Fe the same as Junel Fe 24?
                Not exactly. Similar to Junel Fe 24, Blisovi 24 Fe is a branded generic version of Loestrin 24 Fe, which is no longer available. This means it works just as well as Junel Fe 24, and it's essentially another lower-cost generic version. They also contain the same hormones in the same doses. Talk to your prescriber about which one would be best for you.
                How effective is Junel Fe 24?
                Based on clinical studies, about 1 to 2 out of 100 people might get pregnant during the first year they use Junel Fe 24. But your chance of getting pregnant while taking Junel Fe 24 is higher if you don't take it as directed. If you're having trouble remembering to take your pill daily around the same time each day and want to consider other birth control options, talk to your prescriber.
                Is Junel Fe 24 low dose?
                Yes, Junel Fe 24 is considered a low-dose birth control. In some studies, low-dose birth control contains between 15 to 20 mcg of estrogen. Junel Fe 24 contains 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol (a type of estrogen). If you're sensitive to side effects from estrogen, your prescriber might recommend a low-dose birth control like Junel Fe 24 for you.
                Does Junel Fe 24 cause acne?
                It can. In clinical studies, about 3% of people who took Junel Fe 24 reported acne. Interestingly, COCs like Junel Fe 24 can help treat acne because they contain estrogen, which reduces testosterone levels in the body. Lower testosterone means less oil production, which can prevent clogged pores and acne. Studies don't show that one birth control works better than another. So some healthcare professionals might prescribe this medication off-label to treat acne.
                Does Junel Fe 24 stop periods?
                It's possible, but you'll typically get a period during the days when you're not taking any active Junel Fe 24 tablets. This bleeding isn't a menstrual period. Instead, it's a withdrawal bleed that's caused by a drop in hormone levels during your hormone-free days. It’s normal to have a lighter or shorter period, or you might not have a period at all. If you have questions about your period while taking Junel Fe 24, talk to your healthcare professional.
                How long does it take Junel Fe 24 to work?
                If you've never taken a hormonal birth control, Junel Fe 24 typically starts to work to prevent pregnancy when you start taking it, especially when you start on the first day of your period. But if you start on the first Sunday after your period, it might take 7 days for the pill to fully work. In this situation, you'll need to use a non-hormonal birth control, like condoms, in addition to Junel Fe 24 for 7 days. This helps keep your chances of accidentally getting pregnant as low as possible as you wait for Junel Fe 24 to start working.
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                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Junel Fe 24?

                Junel Fe 24 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 risk for blood clots

                • Risk factors: Over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes

                  If you smoke cigarettes, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs), like Junel Fe 24, raises your risk for blood clots. These blood clots can lead to more serious problems, such as heart attack and stroke. People aged 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your OB-GYN provider about safer birth control alternatives.

                  risk-warning

                  Blood clots and strokes

                  • Risk factors: Age 35 or older and smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bed rest | Starting Junel Fe 24 less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                    Junel Fe 24 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 care team you're taking Junel Fe 24. They might have you stop taking it 4 weeks before until 2 weeks after your surgery to lower your risk of blood clots. If you recently delivered a baby, you shouldn't start Junel Fe 24 until 4 weeks after delivery if you're not breastfeeding your child.

                              risk-warning

                              Liver problems

                              • Risk factors: History of liver problems | Taking certain hepatitis C combination medications

                                Don't take Junel Fe 24 if you have liver problems. Although rare, COCs like Junel Fe 24 can raise your risk of benign liver tumors. Signs of liver problems can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), along with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, or dark colored urine.

                                risk-warning

                                High blood pressure

                                • Risk factors: Older age | Taking COCs for a long time

                                  Junel Fe 24 can raise your blood pressure, so you might want to check your blood pressure while you're taking this medication. The risk is higher in older adults that have taken birth control for a long time. Stop taking Junel Fe 24 and let your care team know if your blood pressure is unusually high.

                                  risk-warning

                                  High blood sugar and triglycerides

                                  • Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | History of high triglycerides

                                    Junel Fe 24 can raise your blood sugar and triglyceride (fat) levels. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, let your prescriber know if you experience any changes in your blood sugar. A rise in triglycerides can lead to serious conditions like inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Get emergency medical help if you notice symptoms of pancreatitis, which can include stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Headache

                                    Let your HCP know if you experience new or worsening migraines or headaches while taking Junel Fe 24. You'll have to stop this medication if your migraine or headache doesn't go away or becomes severe.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Irregular bleeding

                                    People who take Junel Fe 24 can sometimes experience breakthrough bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of taking this medication. 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 OB-GYN provider know if the bleeding is a problem for you. If you missed your period(s), contact your OB-GYN provider or get a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Depression

                                    Talk to your OB-GYN provider if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Junel Fe 24. Your prescriber might consider stopping this medication if you have serious depression.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Risk for breast and cervical cancer

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

                                      Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Junel Fe 24 and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                                      Don't take Junel Fe 24 if you currently have or have had breast cancer because some types of breast cancer grow faster in the presence of estrogen, an ingredient in this medication. You can perform breast self-checks regularly at home and get yearly breast exams with your HCP to help with early breast cancer detection. Let your HCP know if you notice any new or abnormal lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                                      Make sure you follow up with your OB-GYN provider to get proper screenings for cervical cancer. Report any signs of vaginal bleeding or discharge that's not normal.

                                      risk-warning

                                      Worsening of other health conditions

                                      • Risk factors: History of hereditary angioedema | History of chloasma gravidarum

                                        If you have certain conditions, such as hereditary angioedema or chloasma (a skin condition that causes dark patches on the face), talk to your healthcare professional before taking Junel Fe 24 because it might worsen your symptoms. If you have a history of chloasma, limit exposure to the sun or UV light while taking birth control pills like Junel Fe 24.

                                        dosage

                                        Junel Fe 24 dosage forms

                                        The average cost for 3 packages of 28 tablets of 1mg/20mcg of Junel Fe 24 is $35.17 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 83.29% off the average retail price of $210.46.
                                        package
                                        Package
                                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                        28 tablets of 1mg/20mcg3 packages$35.17$11.72

                                        Typical dosing for Junel Fe 24

                                        Junel Fe 24 (and other branded generics) comes in a 28-day pack. Your medication might look different depending on which branded generic your healthcare professional (HCP) prescribes. Follow your HCP's instructions or the directions on the package when taking it.

                                        There are 24 active tablets containing 1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol. There are 4 placebo tablets and each contain 75 mg of ferrous fumarate.

                                        The typical dose is to take 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 24 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet daily for the remaining 4 days.

                                        contraindications-icon

                                        Junel Fe 24 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 Fe 24 will not be safe for you to take.
                                        alternatives

                                        What are alternatives to Junel Fe 24?

                                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Junel Fe 24. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                        Junel Fe 24
                                        Used for:
                                        $35.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                        Used for:
                                        $22.75 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                        Used for:
                                        $35.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                        images

                                        Junel Fe 24 images

                                        Brown Round B And 247 - Junel Fe 24 28-Day Tablet
                                        This medicine is Brown, Round Package Imprinted With "B" And "247".Brown Round B And 247 - Junel Fe 24 28-Day Tablet

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                                        References

                                        Best studies we found

                                        Arowojolu, A. O., et al. (2012). Combined oral contraceptive pills for treatment of acne. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

                                        Cortés, M. E., et al. (2014). The effects of hormonal contraceptives on glycemic regulation. The Linacre Quarterly.

                                        Delgado, B. J., et al. (2023). Estrogen. StatPearls.

                                        View All References (4)

                                        French, V. (2023). What you should know about breakthrough bleeding with birth control. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

                                        International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). Combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives. Pharmaceuticals.

                                        Latwal, B., et al. (2020). Authorized generics vs. branded generics: A perspective. Journal of Generic Medicines: The Business Journal for the Generic Medicines Sector.

                                        Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (2024). Junel Fe 24- norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol and ferrous fumarate kit [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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