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Compare Apri vs. Sprintec

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Apri (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) and Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) are both combined oral contraceptives (COCs) that contain estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. Apri contains desogestrel as the progestin component, while Sprintec contains norgestimate. Both medications are monophasic, meaning all active tablets have the same hormone levels. Apri's active tablets contain 0.15 mg of desogestrel and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, whereas Sprintec's active tablets contain 0.25 mg of norgestimate and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Both are taken daily for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo tablets. Apri and Sprintec share similar side effects and risks, such as blood clots, high blood pressure, and mood changes. In addition, COCs are not recommended for females over 35 who smoke. Both are available as lower-cost generics and require a prescription.

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  • Apri
    Sprintec
  • Apri
    Sprintec

  • Summary of Apri vs. Sprintec

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Prescription only

    Apri is a birth control pill that people can use to help prevent pregnancy. It's a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that contains two hormones: desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Each pack has 21 active tablets and 7 inactive tablets. It's considered monophasic because all active tablets contain the same amount of hormones. The usual dosage is 1 tablet by mouth every day. Side effects can include nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. <br> Apri is a generic of the discontinued brand name Desogen. Other generics include Enskyce, Isibloom, Kalliga, Juleber, and Reclipsen.

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Prescription only

    Sprintec is a type of combined oral contraceptive (COC), or birth control, that contains both estrogen and progesterone hormones. It's a monophasic birth control, meaning all active tablets contain the same doses of hormones. Sprintec works well to prevent pregnancy if it's taken daily at the same time every day.

  • Indications of Apri vs. Sprintec

    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy
    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy

  • Pros and Cons of Apri vs. Sprintec

    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Blister packs have easy-to-follow directions written on them
    •Usually works better at preventing pregnancy than using only barrier methods like condoms
    •Can make your menstrual cycle more regular
    Cons
    •Need to take at the same time every day for it to work the best it can
    •Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea and headaches
    •Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
    •Not a good option for people over 35 who smoke
    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •Taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Active pills are all one color so they're easy to identify
    Cons
    •Not recommended for females who smoke cigarettes
    •Can affect mood and behavior
    •Risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Apri vs. Sprintec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach cramps
    •Bloating
    •Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
    •Change in menstrual flow
    •Breast tenderness
    •Change in weight (up or down)
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in menstrual bleeding (up to 34%)
    •Headache/migraine (33%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Vaginal infection (8%)
    •Genital discharge (7%)
    •Breast pain, discharge, or swelling (6%)
    •Mood changes (5%)
    •Passing gas (3%)
    •Nervousness (3%)
    •Rash (3%)

  • Warnings of Apri vs. Sprintec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and the risk for serious heart problems
    •Risk for blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
    •Risk of breast and cervical cancer
    •Liver problems
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol levels, and high triglyceride levels
    •High blood pressure
    •Headache
    •Irregular bleeding
    •Depression
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Irregular bleeding
    •High blood pressure
    •High blood sugar and cholesterol
    •Headache
    •Breast and cervical cancer
    •Liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Apri vs. Sprintec

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    Learn more about Sprintec

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