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.

4 min read Updated Jun 2026 Read by 9,311 people
Are Larin 1/20 And Junel 1/20 The Same?
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Jackson asked

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.

Aug 31, 2022
The quick answer
  • Larin 1/20 and Junel 1/20 contain the same active ingredients in the same doses and can be used interchangeably by your pharmacy.
  • Although the active ingredients are identical, these brands have different inactive ingredients which is why the pills look different.
  • These birth control pills work by preventing ovulation and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
A quick summary of Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD's full answer below, condensed by AI from that answer only (not from any outside source). The pharmacist's answer is the source of record.

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 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 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 & sources
  1. Junel 1/20 Drug Information — DailyMed
  2. Larin 1/20 Drug Information — DailyMed
  3. Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations | Orange Book — FDA
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
Bioequivalent
Medications that contain the same active ingredients in the same amounts and produce the same effects in the body.
Ethinyl estradiol
A synthetic hormone used in birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.
Norethindrone acetate
A synthetic hormone used in birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.
Ovulation
The release of an egg from the ovary, which is necessary for pregnancy to occur.
Cervical mucus
A fluid in the cervix that changes during the menstrual cycle and can affect whether sperm can reach the egg.
Contraindications
Medical conditions or situations in which a medication should not be used because it could be harmful.
Cardiovascular
Related to the heart and blood vessels.
Anticonvulsants
Medications used to prevent or control seizures that can interfere with birth control effectiveness.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
About the pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacy

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...

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