General Information on Junel
Junel is a female oral contraceptive indicated to prevent pregnancy. Besides preventing unwanted pregnancy, it also reduces menstrual pain and bleeding, regulates menstrual periods and reduces the risk of endometrial or ovarian cancer.
Junel contains two active ingredients, Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol. Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone Acetate work to stop release of egg (ovulation) from the ovaries through hormonal changes. They also change cervical mucus which blocks the entry of the sperm in the uterus and also change the uterus lining, making it difficult for the fertilized egg to attach itself to the uterus
Junel is available as a 21 birth control pill pack. It is available in two different strengths which include Junel 1/20 and Junel 1.5/30. Junel 1/20 birth control pill pack contains yellow tablets, each tablet containing 20 mcg Ethinyl Estradiol and 1 mg Norethindrone Acetate. Junel 1.5/30 birth control pill pack contains pink tablets, each containing 30 mcg Ethinyl Estradiol and 1.5 mg Norethindrone Acetate.
You may buy Junel to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, you should exercise caution while using any hormonal birth control pill, as it may also cause unwanted side effects. To reduce the risk of side effects, you may consult your doctor before using Junel.
Side effects of Junel
Junel may cause mild to severe side effects in some women. Heavy vaginal bleeding between periods, heart attack, breast lumps high cholesterol, hypertension are some severe side effects associated with Junel. You should look for signs that might be indicators of severe medical problems such as:
- Signs of stroke- severe headache, speech or vision changes
- Signs of liver damage - dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in upper right abdominal area
- Signs of blood clot in the leg - leg cramps, pain in the calf, foot swelling
- Signs of blood clot in the lung - shortness of breath, coughing up blood, sharp chest pain.
- Signs of blood clot in the eye- vision changes or sudden loss of vision
- Signs of allergic reactions - unexplained swelling/rashes, itching, hives, wheezing, difficulty swallowing or breathing
Dosage of Junel
Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the dosage. Take the first Junel pill on first day of your period or Sunday that follows after starting of your periods. You need to take one pill every day until you consume all 21 pills in the pack.
You are not required to take any pills for next 7 days. Start with new Junel birth control pill pack after 7 days. Do not miss any pills as it may increase the risk of pregnancy. Take the Junel birth control pill at the same time every day.
Interactions
Junel may interact with other medicines you are using and cause side effects. It may interact with antibiotics, barbiturate medicines, Aprepitant, Aminoglutethimide, several seizure medications, Modafinil, Cyclosporine, Dexamethasone, Protease inhibitors, St. John's wort, Selegiline, and Theophylline.
Before you buy Junel, tell doctor about every medication you are using to reduce the risk of side effects. Tell him/her about prescription drugs, non-prescription medicines, and herbal supplements you are using.
