Apri vs. Kyleena
See how Apri and Kyleena compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Apri is a daily oral contraceptive pill, while Kyleena is a long-acting IUD placed once and left in for up to 5 years.
Apri requires consistent daily dosing to stay effective, while Kyleena works continuously without any daily action once placed.
Both prevent pregnancy but through different mechanisms: Apri combines estrogen and progestin taken by mouth, while Kyleena releases a low, mostly local dose of progestin only.
Apri vs. Kyleena Drug Summary
Apri
Apri is a combination oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, used to prevent pregnancy. It comes as a 28-day pack of 21 active tablets and 7 inactive tablets, taken once daily at the same time. It has been FDA approved since 1999.
Kyleena
Kyleena is a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. It is a single device placed in the uterus by a clinician and releases a low, mostly local hormone dose. It has been FDA approved since 2016.
Apri vs. Kyleena Side Effects
Apri
Kyleena
Apri vs. Kyleena Dosage
Apri
Kyleena
| 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 | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | 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 |
Kyleena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Apri vs. Kyleena Indications
Apri
Apri is a combination birth control pill that prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. It combines desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol in a daily tablet. It is not approved to protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Prevention of pregnancy in women who choose oral contraceptives
Not approved for prevention of HIV or STIs
Requires daily dosing for effectiveness
Reversible quickly after stopping the pill
Kyleena
Kyleena is a hormonal IUD that releases a low, mostly local dose of levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. It thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining, with minimal hormone reaching the rest of the body. It is not approved for emergency contraception or use before a first period.
Prevention of pregnancy for up to 5 years per device
Not approved for emergency contraception
Not approved for use before first menstrual period
Inserted once by a clinician, no daily action needed
Apri vs. Kyleena Pros and Cons
Apri
Apri offers flexible, reversible contraception without any procedure, but effectiveness depends on taking a pill at the same time every day. Its desogestrel component has minimal androgenic activity, which may be gentler on skin than some other progestins. As a monthly prescription, costs and pharmacy visits recur over time.
Pros
No clinical procedure needed to start or stop
Desogestrel has minimal androgenic activity, may help acne
Widely covered by insurance as a standard pill
Fertility typically returns quickly after stopping
Cons
Must be taken at the same time every day to work well
Increased clot risk, especially with smoking after 35
Monthly refills mean ongoing cost and pharmacy visits
Higher monthly cost than Kyleena's average ($30-$99 vs $20-$24)
Kyleena
Kyleena removes the need for daily action once it's placed, delivering a low, mostly local hormone dose for up to 5 years. It requires a clinical insertion and removal, and irregular bleeding is common at first. Because one device lasts years, its average monthly cost tends to work out lower than a pill filled every month.
Pros
One placement lasts up to 5 years, no daily action needed
Averages to a lower monthly cost over time ($20-$24 vs $30-$99)
Hormone acts mostly locally, limiting systemic exposure
No risk of missed doses affecting effectiveness
Cons
Requires an in-clinic insertion and removal procedure
Small risk of uterine perforation during insertion
Irregular bleeding or spotting common in early months
Small risk of expulsion or device displacement
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