Junel 1/20 is an oral contraceptive medication used to prevent pregnancy and treat acne. According to Drugs.com, it is a combination of the female hormones ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. This birth control pill alters the thickness of your cervical mucus and uterine wall to reduce the chances of a sperm fertilizing your egg. Junel is available a tablet, and you will typically take one tablet daily on the first day of your menstrual period or as your doctor prescribes, says the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Junel typically causes nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping and breast tenderness. Vomiting can make prone to dehydration, so drink about eight glasses of water to rehydrate yourself. Junel can also cause alopecia (hair loss), increased hair growth, vaginal itching or discharge, a headache, decreased libido (sex drive) and nervousness. These effects should disappear after three to four days of Junel use. However, phone your doctor if these effects last for more than four days.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Junel increases your risk for developing hepatic neoplasia (liver problems), a myocardial infarction (heart attack), a stroke and even death. Symptoms of a myocardial infarction include chest pain that radiates down your arm, fatigue, sweating and nausea. Symptoms of a stroke include hemiparalysis (numbness or tingling on one side of your body), difficulty talking and difficulty eating. Signs of hepatic neoplasia include stomach pain and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes). Junel can increase your risk of breast, endometrial, ovarian and cervical cancer. It may also lead to severe hypertension (high blood pressure). Symptoms of severe hypertension include a sudden headache, nausea, vomiting and diaphoresis (sweating). Call your physician when Junel causes you to develop these potentially life-threatening effects.
Additional Concerns
Drugs.com indicates that you should not use Junel if you have a history of blood clots, stroke, vaginal bleeding, or cancer of the liver, uterus or breast. Junel may worsen these diseases.
Stop smoking while using Junel. According to Drugs.com, cigarettes can increase your risks of developing blood clots, a heart attack and stroke, especially if you are older than 35.
Such medications as acetaminophen, St. Johns Wort and theophylline can interfere with Junel's effectiveness.
Junel can pass into breast milk, so tell your doctor if you plan to nurse while taking Junel. Discontinue Junel immediately when you find out you are pregnant. It can lead to birth defects and even spontaneous abortion.
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