The pharmaceutical industry is a vast one with a lot of products and for the prescription of these products, they have different names, which could be quite confusing at times. If you search for contraceptives, especially oral contraceptives, you would find a lot of products with different brand names, active ingredients, and indications. Microgestin and Junel are two brands of oral contraceptives with a lot of similarities, and this article aims to explain if they are the same or not.
What is Microgestin?
Microgestin is a prescription medication that is used to prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual periods, and control acne in women. It contains a combination of two hormones, ethinylestradiol, and norethindrone acetate, which are synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone produced by the female body. The medication works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary during the menstrual cycle and changing the cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus.
What is Junel?
Junel is another prescription medication that is also used to prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual periods, and control acne in women. It contains a combination of two hormones, ethinylestradiol, and norethindrone, which are also synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone. The medication works in the same way as Microgestin, by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary and changing the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
Are Microgestin and Junel the same?
Now, the big question is ‘are Microgestin and Junel the same?’.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in Microgestin are ethinylestradiol, and norethindrone acetate. While the active ingredients in Junel are ethinylestradiol, and norethindrone. So, from this perspective, both products are quite similar but not the same.
Manufacturer
Microgestin is manufactured by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, while Junel is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. This means that two different companies make them, and although they contain similar ingredients, there may be slight differences in the formulation, quality, and efficacy of the products.
Indications
Although Microgestin and Junel are both used for the same indications, which are preventing pregnancy, regulating menstrual periods, and controlling acne in women, the FDA has approved them for slightly different indications.
- Microgestin is approved for the prevention of pregnancy, the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women who are at least 15 years old and have achieved menarche.
- Junel is approved for the prevention of pregnancy and the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in females who are at least 14 years old and have started menstruating.
So, from this perspective, their indications are also similar, but different.
Dosages
Although Microgestin and Junel are available in different dosages, the formulations are similar.
| Microgestin | Junel |
|---|---|
| 1/20 | 1/20 |
| 1.5/30 | 1.5/30 |
| 1/20 Fe | 1/20 Fe |
| 1.5/30 Fe | 1.5/30 Fe |
From the table, you can see that there are different doses for each product, but they are similar in the amount of active ingredients that they contain.
Side Effects
The side effects of Microgestin and Junel are quite similar, but there may be slight differences, depending on the individual.
- Common side effects of both drugs include nausea, vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, mood swings, weight gain or loss, depression, and acne.
- There may also be some serious side effects, such as blood clots, stroke, increased blood pressure, heart attack, liver problems, and gallbladder disease.
- You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects.
Interactions
Some drugs can interact with Microgestin and Junel, and this can affect their efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products.
- Drugs that may interact with Microgestin and Junel include antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antifungals, antidepressants, and HIV medications, among others.
- Also, smoking can increase the risk of serious side effects of both drugs, such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
Conclusion
To answer the question, “Is Microgestin the same as Junel?”, the answer is both yes and no. Microgestin and Junel are quite similar in terms of active ingredients, indications, and side effects. However, there are differences in their dosages, manufacturers, and FDA indications. Therefore, it is essential to speak to your doctor if you are confused about these two drugs, or if you have any questions or concerns.
FAQs
- Can Microgestin be substituted for Junel, or vice versa?
Although Microgestin and Junel are similar, they are not the same. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider before switching from one pill to another. - What is the effectiveness of Microgestin and Junel?
Both pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. - Can Microgestin and Junel cause weight gain?
Both pills can cause weight gain or weight loss, but these effects vary from person to person. - Can you get pregnant on Microgestin and Junel?
Both Microgestin and Junel are effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. However, no birth control method is 100% effective, and there is a small chance of becoming pregnant while taking these pills. - What is the cost of Microgestin and Junel?
The cost of both pills may vary depending on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you go to. It is best to check with your insurance provider or pharmacy to get an accurate cost estimate.
References
- “Microgestin Fe 1/20 PM W/IRON For Acne!?” Acne.org Community. Acne.org, July 19, 2012. https://www.acne.org/forums/topic/316990-microgestin-fe-120-pm-wiron-for-acne/.
- “Junel Fe – Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Overdose, Pregnancy, Alcohol | RxWiki.” RxWiki, n.d. https://www.rxwiki.com/junel-fe.
- “Microgestin Fe 1/20 (Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning.” RxList, n.d. https://www.rxlist.com/microgestin-fe-120-drug.htm.
- “Microgestin Fe 1/20: Side Effects, Uses & Dosage.” Drugs.com, n.d. https://www.drugs.com/microgestin_fe_1_20.html.
- “Junel Fe 1.5/30: Side Effects, Uses & Dosage.” Drugs.com, n.d. https://www.drugs.com/junel_fe_1-5_30.html.