Junel 1/20 21 Day is a prescription combined oral contraceptive (birth control pill) containing Norethindrone Acetate 1 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 20 mcg, taken daily for 21 days to prevent pregnancy.

What Is Junel 1/20 21 Day?

Junel 1/20 21 Day is a brand-name combined oral contraceptive (COC) — a type of birth control pill that uses two hormones to prevent pregnancy. It belongs to the progestin/estrogen combination class of hormonal contraceptives.

Here are the key facts:

• Generic name: Norethindrone Acetate 1 mg and Ethinyl Estradiol 20 mcg
• Brand name: Junel 1/20 21 Day
• Drug class: Combined oral contraceptive (progestin + estrogen)
• Manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Controlled substance: No — Junel 1/20 21 Day is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes — multiple generic versions exist

Junel 1/20 21 Day is one of several brand names for this formulation. Other brands with the same active ingredients at the same doses include:

• Microgestin 1/20
• Larin 1/20
• Aurovela 1/20
• Gildess 1/20
• Hailey 1/20
• Loestrin 21 1/20 (the original brand)

All of these are therapeutically equivalent and can be substituted by your pharmacist unless your doctor specifies otherwise.

What Is Junel 1/20 21 Day Used For?

Junel 1/20 21 Day is FDA-approved for the prevention of pregnancy (oral contraception). That's its primary indication.

However, doctors also commonly prescribe it off-label for:

• Acne treatment: The hormonal balance can improve hormonal acne in some women.
• Regulation of menstrual cycles: Helps create predictable, regular periods.
• Reduction of menstrual cramps and pain: Many women experience lighter, less painful periods on the pill.
• Endometriosis symptoms: Hormonal contraceptives can help manage pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) symptoms: Can help regulate periods and reduce androgen-related symptoms in women with PCOS.

How Is Junel 1/20 21 Day Taken?

Junel 1/20 21 Day comes as a 21-day pack containing 21 active tablets. Here's how to take it:

1. Take 1 tablet daily at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days.
2. Take it with food or at bedtime to reduce nausea.
3. After finishing all 21 tablets, take no pills for 7 days. Your period should start during this pill-free week.
4. After the 7-day break, start a new pack — even if your period hasn't finished.

There are two common starting methods:

• Sunday Start: Begin your first pack on the first Sunday after your period starts. Use a backup method (like condoms) for the first 7 days.
• Day-1 Start: Begin your first pack on the first day of your period. No backup method needed.

What if you miss a pill? If you miss one active pill, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at your regular time (you may take two pills in one day). If you miss two or more pills, refer to the patient information that came with your pack or call your doctor — you may need a backup contraceptive method.

Junel 1/20 21 Day vs. Junel Fe 1/20

You may see "Junel Fe 1/20" at the pharmacy. The difference is simple:

• Junel 1/20 21 Day: 21 active pills only. You take nothing for 7 days between packs.
• Junel Fe 1/20 (28-day pack): 21 active pills + 7 brown iron (Ferrous Fumarate) tablets. The iron pills are placebo/reminder pills that help you maintain the daily habit.

The active medication is identical. The only difference is whether the pack includes reminder pills.

Who Should Not Take Junel 1/20 21 Day?

Junel 1/20 21 Day is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have any of the following conditions:

• History of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• History of stroke or heart attack
• Coronary artery disease or heart valve disease
• Severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Diabetes with vascular complications
• Migraines with aura
• Known or suspected breast cancer
• Liver disease or liver tumors
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pregnancy (Category X — do not take if pregnant)
• Smokers over age 35
• Currently taking Hepatitis C drug combinations containing Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir

For a detailed list of drug interactions, see our dedicated guide.

Always tell your doctor about your complete medical history and all medications you're taking before starting Junel 1/20 21 Day.

How Much Does Junel 1/20 21 Day Cost?

Here's what you can expect to pay for Junel 1/20 21 Day in 2026:

• With insurance: Most plans cover generic oral contraceptives at no cost (zero copay) under ACA contraceptive coverage requirements.
• Cash price (without insurance): $25 to $80 per pack, depending on the pharmacy.
• With discount coupons: As low as $9 to $16 per pack using coupons from SingleCare or GoodRx.

Teva Pharmaceuticals does not currently offer a manufacturer savings card for Junel 1/20 since it's already a low-cost generic. However, uninsured patients may qualify for assistance through NeedyMeds, RxAssist, or Planned Parenthood clinics that provide birth control at reduced cost or free.

For a full guide to saving money, read How to Save Money on Junel 1/20 21 Day.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common side effects include nausea, spotting, breast tenderness, headache, bloating, and mood changes. Serious but rare side effects include blood clots, stroke, and heart attack — especially in smokers over 35.

For the complete breakdown, see Junel 1/20 21 Day Side Effects: What to Expect.

Final Thoughts

Junel 1/20 21 Day is a widely used, low-dose combined birth control pill that's been on the market for years. It's effective, affordable, and available in multiple generic versions. Whether you're starting birth control for the first time or switching from another pill, understanding what Junel 1/20 21 Day is — and how to take it correctly — is the foundation of using it safely.

If you're having trouble finding Junel 1/20 21 Day at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock near you. And if you want to understand how it works at a deeper level, check out How Does Junel 1/20 21 Day Work?