Are Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe The Same?

Answer

Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe contain the same active ingredients (and same amounts) of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate to help prevent pregnancy. These both contain iron as well. Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe can be switched between one another and other brand names containing the same active ingredients.

Some pharmacies will switch to carrying different brand names of birth control pills and will switch between them depending on what they have in stock. This is fine as long as they have the same amount of active ingredients, are considered bioequivalent, and the doctor does not specify they cannot be switched.

It is important to note that while the active ingredients are the same for both Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe, they do have different inactive ingredients, which is why the tablets look different.

Below are the ingredients for both Junel FE 1/20 and Blisovi FE 1/20:

Blisovi Fe 1/20 Ingredients

The active, hormone pills contain: 

• Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 mg
• Norethindrone Acetate 1 mg
• Acacia Senegal
• Confectioners sugar
• Corn Starch
• D&C Yellow No. 10
• Lactose
• Magnesium Stearate
• Talc

The inactive, placebo pills contain:

• Ferrous Fumarate 75 mg
• Magnesium Stearate
• Microcrystalline Cellulose
• Povidone
• Sodium Starch Glycolate
• Sucrose

Junel Fe 1/20 Ingredients

The active, hormone pills contain: 

• Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 mg
• Norethindrone Acetate 1 mg
• Acacia Senegal
• D&C Yellow No. 10
• Lactose
• Magnesium Stearate
• Pregelatinized Starch
• Sucrose

The inactive, placebo pills contain:

• Ferrous Fumarate 75 mg
• Crospovidone
• Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
• Microcrystalline Cellulose

Information About Ethinyl Estradiol / Norethindrone Acetate

According to the prescribing information, the two hormones ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate are contained in these combination pills and are used to prevent pregnancy. These pills do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How It Works

Birth control pills mostly work by preventing ovulation by maintaining steady hormone levels in the body. However, other changes to the cervical mucus a lining of the uterus can also help. Changes in cervical mucus can make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and a change in the lining of the uterus would reduce the change of implantation.

Contraindications

Birth control should not be used in women who have:

• Blood clotting disorders or history of blood clots

• Coronary artery disease

• Cerebral vascular disease

• Known or suspected breast or uterine cancer

• Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding Liver disease, liver cancer, jaundice, or previous jaundice with pill use Known or suspected pregnancy

Warnings

Smoking while taking birth control pills can increase the risk of having cardiovascular side effects (heart attack, stroke, blood clot). Smoking should be avoided. This risk increases with heavy smoking and with age. The risk is significantly higher in women over the age of 35 years.

Potential Side Effects

• Nausea
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Weight gain
• Breast tenderness
• Headache Spotting and/or breakthrough bleeding or other changes in menstrual cycle

Other Information

• Consult your doctor when starting any new medications, over-the-counter medications, or supplements.

• Birth control pills may interact with: rifampin, anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine), and some antibiotics (penicillins, tetracycline, griseofulvin).

• If you suspect you might be pregnant, consult a doctor immediately, as this medication may be harmful to a fetus.

• Consult your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, breast discharge or lumps, pain or swelling or unusual redness in your lower legs, chest pain or tightness, numbness or weakness in arms or legs or on one side of the body, dark urine or pale stool, or yellowing of the skin or eye.