Are Larin 1/20 And Junel 1/20 The Same?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist compares two birth control pills, Junel 1/20 and Larin 1/20.

Question

I have been switched by my pharmacy between birth control pills and want to make sure they are the same thing...Junel 1/20 and Larin 1/20.

Asked by Jackson On Aug 31, 2022

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Aug 31, 2022
Last updated Apr 18, 2024

Key points

  • Larin 1/20 and Junel 1/20 contain the same active ingredients, in the same amounts. They are considered 'bioequivalent' by the FDA.
  • Your pharmacy may switch between Larin 1/20 and Junel 1/20.

Answer

Thanks for reaching out, great question!

Larin 1/20 and Junel 1/20 contain the same active ingredients in the same amounts. They both contain the hormones ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate to help prevent pregnancy. In addition, they both contain 21 active pills but do not contain 7 inactive placebo pills, like most birth control products.

Larin 1/20 and Junel 1/20 can be switched between one another and other brand names containing the same active ingredients. They are considered interchangeable by the FDA.

Larin 1/20 And Junel 1/20 Can Be Substituted For One Another By Your Pharmacy

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, or what they carry at a given time. 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 1/20 and Larin 1/20, they do have different inactive ingredients, which is why the tablets look different.

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

Larin 1/20 Ingredients

Each hormone-containing pill contains:

  • Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 mg
  • Norethindrone Acetate 1 mg
  • D&C Yellow No. 10
  • FD&C Blue No. 2
  • FD&C Yellow No. 6
  • Lactose
  • Lecithin
  • Macrogol (polyethylene glycol)
  • Magnesium Stearate
  • Polyethylene Glycol 3350
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol
  • Pregelatinized Corn Starch
  • Talc
  • Titanium Dioxide

Junel 1/20 Ingredients

Each hormone-containing pill contains:

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

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
  • HeadacheSpotting and/or breakthrough bleeding or other changes in the 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.

Final Words

Thanks again for contacting us and be sure to reach back out with more questions!


References

  • Junel 1/20 Drug Information, DailyMed
  • Larin 1/20 Drug Information, DailyMed
  • Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations | Orange Book, FDA

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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