Junel Fe is an oral contraceptive, or birth control pill, consisting of the synthetic hormones ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, which mimic the naturally occuring hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is the generic form of the brand name oral contraceptive Loestrin Fe.
Function
Junel Fe is intended to help prevent pregnancy and treat severe forms of acne, according to Drugs.com. Junel Fe prevents pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, thickening your cervical mucus and making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus.
Types
There are several dosages of Junel Fe, including Junel Fe 1.5/30 and Junel Fe 1/20, according to Drugs.com.
Usage
You should take one pill a day, at the same time every day, in order to maintain effectiveness, the Mayo Clinic recommends. You will take the 21 active pills, and then you will get a period during the last week of seven pills. The last seven pills of Junel Fe contain iron to help restore some iron you lose during your period.
Side Effects
Side effects you may experience while taking this drug include mild nausea or vomiting, breast tenderness, headache, changes in your menstrual period, contact lens problems and vaginal discharge, Drugs.com reports. If you start to have symptoms like sudden numbness or weakness, chest pain, problems with speech or balance or yellowing of the skin or eyes, Drugs.com suggests you call your doctor immediately.
Warning
You should not smoke if you are taking oral contraceptives, and if you are over the age of 35 and smoke, this further increases your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, Drugs.com warns. Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections of HIV and other STDs.
