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

Most common
nausea
breakthrough bleeding/spotting
breast tenderness
headache

Depo-Provera

Most common
headache (17%)
abdominal pain/discomfort (11%)
nervousness (11%)
dizziness (6%)

Apri vs. Depo-Provera Dosage

Apri

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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