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.

Answered by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist
Staff
Last updated Apr 10, 2025
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!
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
- 8034 views