Sprintec, Junel FE, and Apri: How Do These Popular Birth Control Pills Compare?

According to the CDC, about 65% of women use some type of birth control (contraception). Birth control pills are the most common type of prescription birth control used in the U.S. Some of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills are Sprintec, Junel FE 1.5/30, and Apri. 

These three birth control pills are known as combination birth control pills. This means they have two types of hormones inside each pill: an estrogen and a progestin. A progestin is a form of progesterone that’s made in a lab.

Sprintec, Junel FE 1.5/30, and Apri also share several other similarities. But what differences do they have? And is one better than the others? Let’s compare.

Sprintec

Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) is a combination pill. It’s a monophasic tablet. Monophasic means each active pill in the pack contains the same dose of both hormones.

Each pack of Sprintec contains 28 pills: 21 active pills, followed by 7 inactive (placebo) pills. The active pills contain 0.25 mg of norgestimate and 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.

This combination pill goes by many names. Some of the most well-known are:

• Estarylla

• Femynor

• Mili

• Mono-Linyah

• Previfem

How effective is Sprintec?

With typical use, oral birth control pills — including Sprintec — are about 93% effective. This means that with the way most people take Sprintec, about 7 out of every 100 women get pregnant. As with all birth control pills, it’s most effective if you take the tablet at the same time every day.

How much does Sprintec cost?

Many insurance plans cover Sprintec. But if you don’t have insurance, GoodRx can help you save over 80% on your prescription. With a free GoodRx coupon, the cost of Sprintec may be less than $8 per pack at certain pharmacies.

Benefits of Sprintec

Many women take birth control pills for reasons other than pregnancy prevention. Sprintec may help reduce menstrual cramps and cause lighter or shorter periods. It may also help clear up acne for some women.

Common side effects of Sprintec

Common side effects of Sprintec include:

• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting

• Headaches or migraines

• Stomach pain

• Changes to vaginal discharge

• Vaginal infections

• Breast tenderness

• Mood changes

Sprintec vs. Tri-Sprintec

Sprintec can sometimes be confused with Tri-Sprintec. Although they contain the same types of estrogen and progestin, they’re not the same medication. Tri-Sprintec is a triphasic pill. This means that it has three different doses of hormones throughout one pack. Tri-Lo-Sprintec is also available. It has three hormone doses as well, but at a slightly lower amount of estrogen. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which form is best for you.

Junel FE 1.5/30

Junel FE 1.5/30 is also a monophasic combination birth control pill. Each active pill of Junel FE 1.5/30 contains 1.5 mg of norethindrone acetate and 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.

Junel FE 1.5/30 has a lower dose of estrogen than Sprintec — 30 mcg compared to 35 mcg. This lower estrogen dose means that it may have fewer estrogen-related risks, such as blood clots.

Another difference between Sprintec and Junel FE 1.5/30 lies within the inactive pills. The “FE” in the name refers to the low dose of iron in the last seven pills in the pack (“Fe” is an abbreviation for iron). Some people may prefer the extra iron if they bleed heavily or have anemia.

Junel FE 1.5/30 is one of many names for this form of oral contraceptive, including:

• Aurovela FE 1.5/30

• Blisovi Fe 1.5/30

• Larin FE 1.5/30

• Microgestin FE 1.5/30

Like Sprintec, Junel FE 1.5/30 can be confused with other birth control pills with similar names:

• Junel 1.5/30 — same dose of hormones, but has no iron or inactive pills

• Junel FE 1/20 — lower doses of progestin and estrogen

• Junel 1/20 — lower doses of progestin and estrogen and has no iron or inactive pills

How effective is Junel FE 1.5/30?

Like Sprintec, Junel FE is around 93% effective with typical use. For it to be most effective, you should take your dose at the same time every day.

How much does Junel FE 1.5/30 cost?

Like Sprintec, Junel FE 1.5/30 is also covered by many insurance plans. Without insurance, GoodRx can save you over 60% off the retail price. At some pharmacies, you can get one pack of Junel FE 1.5/30 for less than $10 with a free GoodRx coupon.

Benefits of Junel FE 1.5/30

The benefits of Junel FE 1.5/30 are similar to Sprintec. You may have lighter periods, less cramping, and less acne. As mentioned above, the lower dose of estrogen means it may have a slightly lower risk of serious side effects. Birth control pills with less estrogen are thought to be linked to lower rates of blood clots.

Common side effects of Junel FE 1.5/30

Junel FE 1.5/30 shares some common side effects with Sprintec:

• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Bloating

• Vaginal yeast infections

• Breast changes

Apri

Apri is another monophasic combination birth control oral tablet. Apri’s active pills contain 0.15 mg of desogestrel and — like Junel FE 1.5/30 — 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Like Sprintec, each monthly pack of Apri contains 28 pills: 21 active pills, followed by 7 inactive pills.

Apri is one of several names for birth control pills with this combination and dosage of hormones:

• Enskyce

• Isibloom

• Kalliga

• Reclipsen

• Solia

How effective is Apri?

Just like other birth control pills, Apri is also about 93% effective with typical use. Taking it at the same time every day helps it work most effectively.

How much does Apri cost?

Similar to Sprintec and Junel FE 1.5/30, many insurance plans cover Apri. If you don’t have insurance, GoodRx can save you about 70% off the average retail cost. At certain locations, Apri’s cost may be around $8 per pack with a free GoodRx coupon.

Benefits of Apri

Apri’s benefits are similar to other monophasic birth control pills. It may help lessen menstrual cramps and lighten your periods. Apri may also help lessen acne.

Common side effects of Apri

Apri’s common side effects are similar to Sprintec and Junel FE 1.5/30:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Stomach cramps or bloating

• Spotting

• Breast tenderness

• Headache

What is the best birth control option?

The best birth control option is the one that works best for you. Since everyone responds to birth control differently, you may need to try a few before you find your best fit. This is a decision best made together with your healthcare provider.

The lower estrogen doses found in Junel FE 1.5/30 and Apri may mean you have fewer hormone-related risks, like blood clots. Because of its low-dose iron tablets, you may prefer Junel FE 1.5/30 if you have heavy menstrual bleeding or anemia.

There are many types of birth control pills available. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our comprehensive birth control pill guide. If pills aren’t your style, know that there are also several non-pill birth control options to consider. And if you’re unable to see a healthcare provider, there are over-the-counter contraception options available to help prevent pregnancy as well.

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Written by:

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP, has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist, professor, and researcher. She was a full-time clinical professor in the pharmacy practice department at D’Youville School of Pharmacy before subsequently joining the faculty of the pharmacy practice department at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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