Apri vs. Sprintec

Apri (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) and Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol) are combinations of female hormones that are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Sprintec is also used to treat severe acne.

Common side effects of Apri include:

• nausea (especially when you first start taking Apri),
• vomiting,
• headache,
• stomach cramping,
• bloating,
• dizziness,
• vaginal itching,
• increased vaginal discharge,
• breast tenderness or swelling,
• nipple discharge,
• freckles or darkening of facial skin,
• increased hair growth,
• loss of scalp hair,
• changes in weight or appetite,
• problems with contact lenses, or
• decreased sex drive.
• Acne may improve or get worse.
• Vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) or missed/irregular menstrual periods may occur, especially during the first few months of use.

Common side effects of Sprintec include:

• nausea (especially when you first start taking Sprintec),
• vomiting,
• headache,
• stomach cramping/bloating,
• changes in weight or appetite,
• dizziness,
• vaginal discomfort/irritation/itching,
• increased vaginal discharge,
• breast tenderness/enlargement,
• nipple discharge,
• freckles or darkening of facial skin,
• increased hair growth,
• loss of scalp hair,
• problems with contact lenses, or
• decreased sex drive.
• Acne may improve or get worse.
• Bleeding between menstrual periods (spotting) or missed/irregular periods may occur, especially during the first few months of use of Sprintec.

Apri (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) is a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy.

Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol) is a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. Sprintec is also used to treat severe acne.

Apri may interact with acetaminophen, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antibiotics, phenylbutazone, St. John's wort, seizure medicines, barbiturates, or HIV medicines. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Apri must not be used during pregnancy.

Sprintec may interact with phenylbutazone, St. John's wort, antibiotics, seizure medicines, barbiturates, or HIV medicines.

The dosage of the Apri Tablet 28-Day Regimen is one rose-colored tablet daily for 21 days, then one white tablet daily for 7 days, taken without interruption. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started.

Sprintec is a 28-day regimen of tablets, with 21 days of active (containing hormones) tablets, and 7 days of inert tablets, taken as prescribed.