Switching from Junel Fe to Blisovi Fe is a common consideration for individuals seeking birth control options. Both medications contain the same active ingredients, ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate, making them interchangeable. Reasons for switching can include availability, insurance coverage, or personal preference regarding side effects and brand loyalty.
Reasons for Switching
Switching from Junel Fe to Blisovi Fe often happens due to:
- Availability: Pharmacies might switch brands based on stock levels, as both contain the same active ingredients.
- Cost: Insurance plans may cover one brand over another, making Blisovi Fe a more affordable option for some.
- Personal Preference: Some users might prefer Blisovi Fe due to different inactive ingredients, which can affect side effects or tolerability.
Active Ingredients Comparison
Both Junel Fe and Blisovi Fe contain the same active ingredients:
- Ethinyl Estradiol: 0.02 mg
- Norethindrone Acetate: 1 mg
These ingredients are used to prevent pregnancy.
Effectiveness and Safety
Effectiveness:
- Junel Fe: 92-99% effective when taken correctly.
- Blisovi Fe: 91-99% effective when taken correctly.
Safety:
- Junel Fe: Higher estrogen dose, potentially increasing the risk of blood clots and other side effects.
- Blisovi Fe: Lower estrogen dose, potentially better for those sensitive to estrogen or with a history of blood clots.
Both are bioequivalent and approved for preventing pregnancy.
Potential Side Effects
Potential Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Swelling of ankles/feet (fluid retention)
- Weight change
- Vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting)
- Missed/irregular periods
- Mood swings
- Acne
- Menstrual cramping
- Edema (swelling in legs and ankles)
Inactive Ingredients Differences:
- Blisovi Fe 1/20: Acacia, confectioner’s sugar, corn starch, D&C Yellow No. 10, lactose, magnesium stearate, talc, ferrous fumarate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, sucrose.
- Junel Fe 1/20: Acacia, D&C Yellow No. 10, lactose, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, sucrose, ferrous fumarate, crospovidone, hydrogenated vegetable oil, microcrystalline cellulose.
These differences in inactive ingredients can affect users differently, potentially causing variations in side effects or allergic reactions. Always consult with a healthcare provider before switching medications.
User Experiences
Here are some user experiences and reviews regarding the switch from Junel Fe to Blisovi Fe:
Positive Feedback:
- “I took Junel for years and it was good to me! No problems at all. I got switched to Blisovi because the pharmacy didn’t have Junel, the only change I had was I had a higher libido so it was good!”.
- “I’ve noticed that my libido is so high on Blisovi Fe!! I rarely see this happen for people on this one lol”.
Negative Feedback:
- “Blisovi was the worst. I gained a ton of weight, breakouts, and no sex drive at all”.
- “Pharmacist switched my prescription from Junel Fe 1/20 to Blisovi without consulting my doctor. Horrible side effects. Elevated/erratic mood swings, random breast pain, swelling in legs and ankles, irregular menstrual cycles, and an increase in menstrual cramping, headaches, and acne”.
These reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative experiences, reflecting how individual responses to these medications can vary.
Switching from Junel Fe to Blisovi Fe: A Consideration
Switching from Junel Fe to Blisovi Fe is a common consideration due to availability, insurance coverage, and personal preference.
Both medications contain the same active ingredients, ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone acetate, making them interchangeable. The main differences lie in inactive ingredients, which can affect side effects or tolerability.
While some users experience positive changes, such as increased libido, others report negative side effects like weight gain, breakouts, and mood swings.
Ultimately, switching from Junel Fe to Blisovi Fe is a viable option for many users, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes.
