User Reviews for Junel FE 1/20 (28) oral

I do have to say that in order to properly evaluate a birth control pill, you should be on it for 3 months. My first month was terrible. My breasts were SO tender, I was moody, I didn't feel well in general. After being on Junel for about 5 months, I am getting off of it as soon as my new health insurance kicks in in 2 months. The reason being that my breasts still get VERY tender about 2 weeks out of the month but mainly because I have no sex drive whatsoever. Like...NONE. This is so not me and while my boyfriend hasn't complained, per se, I do feel like it's affecting our relationship. Plus, I like having sex. This is just not me. Just a little warning and wondering if anyone else has had my issues. Read More Read Less

I thought I was going crazy until I started reading reviews. I have been taking Junel for a few weeks and have had no motivation for anything but sleep. My headaches are terrible (I've never had one in my life), I'm completely exhausted and dizzy, and it always feels like I have a cold. I know you're supposed to wait a few months before knowing but I KNOW NOW. Don't take Junel. it's TERRIBLE!

I started taking birth control for two reasons. To treat my problem with ovarian cysts and severe cystic acne. The first month the only side effect I noticed at first was breast swelling but I didn't mind. The second month I had one of the worst acne outbreak ever, I had these huge cysts all over my face left awful dark and raised scars. I knew that I had to give the pill time to kick in so I stuck with it. The third month, no improvement, I got yet another cystic outbreak. Also I noticed a new side effect. My hair began falling off! Not just a few here and there but I mean HANDFULS of hair every time I showered. Its been my fourth month now on Junel Fe and my face is scarred up even worse AND half of my hair is gone. I can't even wear my hair down its so noticeable. I finally had enough and went back to the doctor and she changed me ortho tri-cyclen so I'm hoping it will help clear my skin and make my hair grow back. The past four months on Junel Fe have been even more devastating to my self esteem than before I started this pill. The only thing that this pill did was take away my ovarian cysts but what's the point if it makes me a balding pizza face. Read More Read Less

Especially after reading the reviews, I wish I had switched off this BC sooner. I've been taking it for a year now and have an appt. tomorrow because I realized my mood swings have gotten out of hand, I get upset so easily! My goal and challenge will now be to find a form of BC that works without making me so moody. Any suggestions?

You guys have NO idea how relieved I am to read most of these reviews. I was put On Junel about 6 months ago, after having been on Mircette for almost 2 years. I was switched due to some mood problems around what would normally be ovulation time, but trust me, I would FAR prefer that then the side effects of Junel. Starting about 2-3 months ago, I started getting what I thought was just PMS-type symptoms, but it very quickly turned into severe depression. I had absolutely no sex drive whatsoever. I didn't even want to think about it. I felt completely hopeless, sad, and just out of it and not myself. I would be in the middle of my workday, or watching TV, or any other random activity, and I would suddenly find myself thinking about the most ridiculous things, like "Why should I bother to do this and that or whatever for the future? I'm just gonna get old and die." Sounds stupid, but it was horrific. And it was constant. I was crying nearly every day for no reason at all. I didn't even need something to set it off. I would just cry, many times as soon as I got into bed, and bawl my eyes out until I finally fell asleep. I was barely getting any rest because of this, so I was sleeping half my days away. It was really, truly awful. I just stopped taking them a week ago today, and the mood has improved immensely. Not at 100% just yet, but I hope to be there soon. Definitely going to the doctor to see if there's anything else I can try ASAP. I can't really comment on how effective it was against pregnancy, because you couldn't have paid me enough money to have sex while on it. Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who posted on here. I feel so much more hopeful now knowing that chances are, I'm not going insane, and that it was just that stupid pill!Read More Read Less

I have been on this drug for about 9 months and I my biggest problem is absolutely no sex drive. The point in taking a birth control is because your having sex, but if you have no drive then there is no point. On the bright side I didn't gain weight or become moody from this!

Let me start off by saying that when you are starting or switching birth controls, you really do need to allow a few months for your body to adjust. I had been taking orthotricyclen-lo for about two years when my doctor switched me to junel due to a potential blood clot in one of my legs. My first month on junel was horrible. I had persistent breakthrough bleeding for 2-3 weeks, constantly felt tired, constipated, and had abdominal discomfort. I was really concerned by these side effects and wanted to switch back, but my boyfriend convinced me to wait it out and let my body adjust. So I did. Aside from the first month with the breakthrough bleeding, my experience with junel has been great. My periods are only 2-3 days with few cramps, as opposed to before when I had week long periods with severe cramping and breast swelling. I also used to have really bad mood swings the week before my period and those seem to have dissipated since I have been on Junel. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than my former birth control. I will continue to use Junel and recommend it to women looking for an alternative BC. I also strongly urge anyone new to this BC to allow the 1-3 months for your body to adjust. Having been there, I know some of the initial side effects are hard to deal with, but it will be worth it.Read More Read Less

This is my first time taking a birth control pill and I have been taking Junel Fe for 2 months and I'm not a big fan of it. The first two weeks of taking it my sex drive was extremely high then steadly dropped to almost none at all. I spotted the second and third week of taking it. And didn't have my period the first month. I've been moody and will cry over absolutely nothing at all. I noticed an increase in facial hair growth. Now my breasts are super tender and im having terrible cramps. I don't know whether to continue taking it or not, but i do think I'd rather get pregnant than deal with this crap. Read More Read Less

I started taking it on the first day of my period. Had no side affects until the 2nd day. Started getting nausous and throwing up. My period is heavier than usual.. the cramps which usually go away after the second day lasted my entire period and were much worse than usual. It also made me moody.. have night sweats.. irregular heart beat and throw up. Not something I would recommend.

When I first started taking this medication it made me a bit more emotional than usual and I found myself having some mood swings. I also had continual spotting for almost all of the first month on it. However after letting my body adjust I feel perfectly fine. It is easy to take everyday and the periods are light and only last 3-4 days. In the past I used to have extremely bad cramps so this has been a very good lifestyle change.

I didn't experience any mood swings or other serious side effects, but I would always begin bleeding the week before the sugar pill, which was a problem. Overall, pretty good experience

This is only my third week on the pill and so far, no mood swings, actually lost weight. Only thing, I've had light bleeding after my period went away. From reading these reviews, I'm very nervous to see what will happen. I know everyone is different, but I'm now seriously considering switching from Junel

I gained 10 pounds and saw an amazing increase in facial hair after starting this medication. I also noticed that I am always spotting. This pill is more affordable, but definitely not for me.

When I am on the placebo pills I do not get my period. When I am on the *real* pills I do get my period. I spot most of the month.I am going to get off this. I ahve been on it for 6 months just to be sure to give it a good chance, but this spotting is a real problem. I have been wearing a pad for the past 6 months of my life.

I have been on this med for 4 weeks now and being the first time i have ever used birth control, for both the uses of Birth control and Acne reasons. The only side affect i have really noticed is the mood swings like everyone else. I am also very happy with its effectivness because I and my boyfriend have had a couple condom breakages since ive been on the pill, both being accidental. The pill is easy to take and remeber at 7:30am. It has been very easy on my system and i have not had any feelings of being sick. I am very happy with this med so far we'll see how it goes in the months a head.Read More Read Less

I took Junel Fe for about a year and a half. I got my period every so often not during the sugar pills. Which makes me think it wasn't protecting me from pregnancy. However birth control effects people in different ways. If you need a lose does pill than this might be the pill for you.

This is my first time ever using birth control so I wasn't sure what to expect. A friend of mine had recommended this pill to me so I asked my doctor to prescribe it. My doctor told me to use it for 3 months so my body can adjust to it and I can really see if I don't like it. I've been on it for 3 weeks now, and I have also had mood swings and depression like other reviewers on here. For me it wasn't too bad and I had a feeling it was because of the pill so I would just tell myself to get a grip and come back to reality and that usually works for me! I have not gained or loss any weight. My friend who's been on it for longer than I have told me acne might get worse first but then after 2-3 months it'll totally clear up and my skin will be fine. I've had no hair loss, no headaches, and no other bad side effects so far other than having some extreme mood swings. But, I'm giving it 3 months like my doctor recommended and I'll give another review after that!Read More Read Less

I have been on this pill for about 6 months now and have breakthrough twice. maybe i need a stronger dosage. both times the breakthrough began at least two weeks before i was supposed to get my period and it would last all the way through to the next pack. I rate it so high in effectvieness bc i havent gotten pregnant and there arent cramps and it is easy bc it is simple in use. However if you are like me and have a hectic/ changing schedule it can be a bit difficult.

I take the pill to relieve my severe period symptoms. It also seemed like a good decision since I'm sexually active. I haven't had any mood problems outside of my regular clinical depression or any weight gain like some on this site, but one thing that was horrible was the breakouts it caused. I've always had clear, smooth skin and this stuff had me looking like a pepperoni pizza not even 3 weeks into taking it. I stayed on it since I figured I could change my regimen and fix it but it's only gotten worse and it killed my self esteem. I'm starting Ortho Cyclen tonight, so hopefully that will be good for me.Read More Read Less

I find this birth control to be very effective when it comes to shortening my periods and i've experienced a huge decrease in how long and heavy my periods are. Only negatives are that i've randomly spotted every month i've been taking this except one. also, my breasts get very sore sometimes. and some of these scare me that i'm possibly pregnant! but, they're just normal side effects of the medication. i've never had trouble remembering to take my pill every day at 10 pm, just always have to remember to take it with me if i know i'll be out. over all, i say this is a very good birth control and would suggest it to anyone that's just beginning. C:Read More Read Less