Apri vs. Sprintec for Birth Control: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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.

Summary for Apri

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.

Apri is a generic of the discontinued brand name Desogen. Other generics include Enskyce, Isibloom, Kalliga, Juleber, and Reclipsen.

Indications for Apri

To prevent pregnancy

Pros and Cons for Apri

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

Common Side Effects for Apri

Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Bloating
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
Change in menstrual flow
Breast tenderness
Change in weight (up or down)
Headache

Warnings for Apri

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

Summary for Sprintec

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.