Are Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe The Same?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not two birth control products, Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe, are the same.
Is Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe the same birth control?
Jul 07, 2022- Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe contain the same active ingredients in the same amounts and work the same way to prevent pregnancy. While the active ingredients are identical, the inactive ingredients differ which is why the tablets look different. These birth control pills can be switched between each other as long as your doctor hasn't specified otherwise.
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 and 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 chance 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.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Ethinyl estradiol
- A synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen used in birth control pills.
- Norethindrone acetate
- A synthetic form of the female hormone progestin used in birth control pills.
- Bioequivalent
- Medications that contain the same active ingredients in the same amounts and work the same way in the body.
- Ovulation
- The release of an egg from the ovary that can lead to pregnancy.
- Contraindications
- Medical conditions or situations in which a particular medication should not be used because it may be unsafe.
- Cerebral vascular disease
- Disease affecting blood vessels in the brain that can lead to stroke.
- Jaundice
- A yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the body, often indicating liver problems.
- Implantation
- The process where a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus to develop into a pregnancy.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →