Apri vs. Depo-Provera
See how Apri and Depo-Provera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Apri is a daily oral pill, while Depo-Provera is an injection given once every three months, so the two differ mainly in how often you think about birth control.
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning for bone density loss with prolonged use, while Apri's added risks relate to estrogen, like blood clots, especially in smokers over 35.
Both prevent pregnancy effectively, but neither protects against sexually transmitted infections, so barrier methods are still needed for STI prevention.
Apri vs. Depo-Provera Drug Summary
Apri
Apri is a combination oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, taken as one tablet daily in a 28-day cycle to prevent pregnancy. It works by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, and requires remembering a pill each day for full effectiveness.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only injectable contraceptive, given as a 150 mg shot into the muscle once every three months to prevent pregnancy. It works by suppressing ovulation, and its long-acting design means users do not have to remember a daily pill.
Apri vs. Depo-Provera Side Effects
Apri
Depo-Provera
Apri vs. Depo-Provera Dosage
Apri
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg injection | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg injection | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg injection | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg injection | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Apri vs. Depo-Provera Indications
Apri
Apri is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose oral contraceptives. It is not intended to protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, so additional protection is needed for STI prevention.
Prevention of pregnancy in women choosing oral contraception
Not approved for prevention of HIV or STIs
Sometimes used off-label to help regulate menstrual cycles
Requires consistent daily dosing to maintain effectiveness
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy through a quarterly progestin injection. It is not recommended as a long-term method beyond two years unless other contraceptive options are inadequate, because of the risk of bone mineral density loss.
Prevention of pregnancy via injectable progestin
Not approved for long-term use beyond two years without reassessment
Not approved for prevention of HIV or STIs
May suit those who cannot take estrogen-containing methods
Apri vs. Depo-Provera Pros and Cons
Apri
Apri offers predictable daily dosing and is available as a low-cost generic pill, but it contains estrogen, which raises cardiovascular risks in smokers over 35. Insurance coverage for oral contraceptives is generally broad, though adherence depends on remembering a daily pill.
Pros
No injection required, taken as a pill
Fertility typically returns quickly after stopping
Contains no boxed warning for bone loss
Available as a low-cost generic tablet
Cons
Requires remembering a pill every day
Contraindicated in smokers over 35 due to clot risk
Estrogen component raises risk of blood clots and stroke
Effectiveness drops with missed doses
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera trades daily effort for a quarterly injection, which appeals to people who struggle with pill adherence, but it carries a boxed warning for bone mineral density loss with prolonged use. It also contains no estrogen, making it an option for those who cannot use combination methods.
Pros
Only needs dosing once every three months
No estrogen, suitable for those who avoid it
No daily pill to remember
May reduce menstrual bleeding over time
Cons
Boxed warning for bone mineral density loss
Fertility may take months to return after stopping
Weight gain is more common than with many other methods
Not recommended for continuous use beyond two years
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