The Junel Fe 1.5/30 Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you take Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day, you've probably dealt with at least one frustrating pharmacy visit where your medication wasn't available. The oral contraceptive shortage that began in 2023 has affected millions of patients, and while things have improved, availability is still inconsistent in many areas.

Here's what you need to know about the Junel Fe 1.5/30 shortage as of 2026 — including whether it's still happening, what it costs, and how to find it.

Is Junel Fe 1.5/30 Still in Shortage?

The short answer: it depends on where you live. The widespread, acute shortages of 2023 and 2024 have largely eased, but Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day continues to have intermittent availability issues at pharmacies across the country.

The FDA's drug shortage database has listed norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol products periodically over the past three years. As of early 2026, the situation is best described as "recovering but not fully resolved." Some pharmacies have steady supply, while others — especially in rural areas or regions served by a single wholesaler — still experience gaps.

For a deeper look at why this is happening, read our article on why Junel Fe 1.5/30 is so hard to find.

Why Has Junel Fe 1.5/30 Been Hard to Find?

The shortage stems from several overlapping factors:

• Manufacturing disruptions: Key producers of norethindrone acetate products have experienced production delays since 2023, including raw material sourcing issues and quality control slowdowns.
• Increased demand: Demand for oral contraceptives spiked after the 2022 Dobbs decision and has remained elevated. More patients are using pills, and some have been stockpiling.
• Consolidation in manufacturing: Only a handful of companies produce norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol combination pills. When even one manufacturer has issues, the entire market feels it.
• Distribution bottlenecks: Even when pills are being produced, getting them to the right pharmacies at the right time has been a persistent challenge.

How Much Does Junel Fe 1.5/30 Cost in 2026?

Pricing for Junel Fe 1.5/30 varies depending on your insurance and pharmacy:

• With insurance: Most plans cover Junel Fe 1.5/30 or an equivalent generic at $0 copay under the ACA contraceptive coverage mandate.
• Without insurance (cash price): Expect to pay $30 to $90 per pack at retail price.
• With a discount card: Coupons from GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver can bring the price down to $15 to $35 per pack.

For more ways to reduce your costs, check out our complete savings guide.

Are There New Options in 2026?

While no major new formulations of norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol 1.5/30 have launched recently, there are a few positive developments:

• More generic manufacturers: Additional generic companies have entered the market or ramped up production, which should continue to improve availability through 2026.
• Telehealth prescribing: It's now easier than ever to get an oral contraceptive prescription through telehealth platforms, many of which can send your prescription to pharmacies with known stock.
• Pharmacy search tools: Tools like Medfinder now make it possible to check real-time availability before making the trip to the pharmacy.

How to Find Junel Fe 1.5/30 in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Search on Medfinder — Check real-time availability at pharmacies near your zip code.
2. Call independent pharmacies — They often have access to different wholesale suppliers than chain pharmacies.
3. Ask about equivalent generics — Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, Larin Fe 1.5/30, and Gildess Fe 1.5/30 all contain the same active ingredients. See our alternatives guide.
4. Refill early — Don't wait until you're on your last pack. Give yourself at least a week's buffer.
5. Try mail-order — Mail-order pharmacies may have access to different supply lines.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our complete guide to finding Junel Fe 1.5/30 in stock.

Final Thoughts

The Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day shortage has been a prolonged headache for patients who depend on this medication. While supply is improving in 2026, intermittent availability issues persist. The best things you can do are plan ahead, use tools like Medfinder, and stay in communication with your doctor about backup options.

You shouldn't have to fight to get your birth control. But until the supply chain is fully stabilized, being proactive will save you time, stress, and missed doses.