What Is Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day?

Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day is a combination oral contraceptive (birth control pill) that contains norethindrone acetate 1.5 mg, ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg, and ferrous fumarate 75 mg, taken daily to prevent pregnancy.

It belongs to a class of medications called combination oral contraceptives, which use two hormones — a progestin and an estrogen — to stop ovulation and prevent pregnancy. The "Fe" in the name stands for iron (ferrous fumarate), which is included in the last 7 tablets of each 28-day pack to help supplement iron during your period.

Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and is a generic equivalent of the brand-name pill Loestrin Fe 1.5/30. Other generics with the same formula include Microgestin Fe 1.5/30, Blisovi Fe 1.5/30, Larin Fe 1.5/30, Gildess Fe 1.5/30, Hailey Fe 1.5/30, and Aurovela Fe 1.5/30.

To understand exactly how this medication prevents pregnancy, see our article on how Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day works.

What Is Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day Used For?

Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day is FDA-approved for two uses:

• Prevention of pregnancy — Its primary use as an oral contraceptive
• Treatment of acne vulgaris — Approved for females aged 15 and older who also want oral contraception

Doctors also prescribe it off-label for several other conditions:

• Regulating menstrual cycles — Helps establish a predictable monthly cycle
• Treating painful periods (dysmenorrhea) — Reduces menstrual cramps and discomfort
• Managing heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) — Can lighten periods significantly
• Endometriosis symptom management — May reduce pain associated with endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) management — Helps regulate hormones and reduce symptoms
• Reducing ovarian cyst formation — By suppressing ovulation, it can prevent new cysts from forming

How Is Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day Taken?

Each pack contains 28 tablets:

• 21 active tablets (white or yellow) — These contain norethindrone acetate 1.5 mg and ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg
• 7 iron tablets (brown) — These contain ferrous fumarate 75 mg and serve as reminder pills while providing iron supplementation

Here's how to take it:

1. Start on the right day. Your doctor will tell you to start on either the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins.
2. Take one tablet every day at the same time each day. Consistency is key for effectiveness.
3. Take the 21 active pills first, then take the 7 brown iron pills.
4. Start a new pack the day after you finish the last brown tablet. Don't skip any days between packs.
5. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two or more active pills, use backup contraception (like condoms) and check the package insert or call your pharmacist for specific instructions.

Tip: Set a daily alarm on your phone to help remember your pill. Taking it at the same time every day maximizes its effectiveness and reduces breakthrough bleeding.

Who Should Not Take Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day?

Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day is not safe for everyone. You should not take this medication if you have any of the following:

• Known or suspected pregnancy
• History of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• History of stroke or heart attack
• Known or suspected breast cancer
• Active liver disease or liver tumors
• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Migraine headaches with aura
• Valvular heart disease with complications
• Smoking and age 35 or older — This is especially important. The FDA black box warning states that smoking while using oral contraceptives significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Always tell your doctor about your complete medical history before starting Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day. Be sure to mention any medications or supplements you're taking, as some can interact with this birth control and reduce its effectiveness.

How Much Does Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day Cost?

The cost of Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day depends on your insurance coverage and where you fill your prescription:

• With insurance: Most plans cover generic oral contraceptives with no copay under the ACA contraceptive mandate. Your cost may be $0.
• Without insurance (cash price): Typically $15 to $90 per pack, depending on the pharmacy.
• With a discount card: $15 to $45 per pack at most pharmacies. Discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, and others can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost.

For more ways to save, check out our guide on coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs for Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day.

If you don't have insurance, Planned Parenthood clinics and Title X-funded health centers may provide oral contraceptives at no cost or on a sliding-fee scale.

Is Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day Hard to Find?

Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day has experienced intermittent supply issues since 2023. While availability has been improving, some pharmacies still run out periodically. If you're having trouble finding it, use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock near you.

If your pharmacy doesn't carry it, ask about equivalent generic alternatives like Microgestin Fe 1.5/30 or Larin Fe 1.5/30, which contain the same active ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day is a widely used, effective combination birth control pill that also treats acne and helps manage several menstrual-related conditions. It's taken daily in a 28-day cycle and is covered at no cost by most insurance plans.

If you're considering starting Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day, talk to your doctor about whether it's the right choice for you. And if you're ready to fill your prescription, Medfinder can help you find it in stock at a pharmacy near you.

For more about potential side effects, read our guide on Junel Fe 1.5/30 28 Day side effects.