Teva Launches Junel Generic Birth Control Pills

Teva has introduced norethindrone acetate-ethinyl estradiol/ferrous fumarate (Junel Fe 24) tablets, a generic alternative to Amneal's Lomedia 24 Fe oral contraceptive, to the US market.

Similar to its brand-name counterpart, Junel Fe 24 is indicated to prevent pregnancy in women who prefer oral forms of birth control, though it does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.

Women who choose to take oral contraceptives such as Junel Fe 24 are strongly advised not to smoke, since doing so can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects. The most common side effects associated with Junel Fe 24 include headaches, vaginal candidiasis, upper respiratory infection, and menstrual cramps.

Teva's line of women’s health products now includes nearly 30 generic contraceptives.

Lomedia 24 Fe had annual sales of $32 million in the United States as of December 2014.