Apri vs. NuvaRing

See how Apri and NuvaRing compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Apri is a daily pill and NuvaRing is a monthly vaginal ring, so the two differ mainly in how often you have to think about taking them.

  • Both carry the same boxed warning about blood clot and cardiovascular risk, especially for smokers over 35.

  • Apri has a lower typical cash price than NuvaRing, which uses a device-based delivery method instead of a swallowed tablet.

Apri vs. NuvaRing Drug Summary

Apri

Apri is a combination oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It comes in a 28-day pack with 21 active tablets and 7 inactive ones, taken once daily to prevent pregnancy. It has been FDA approved since 1999 and is the generic equivalent of Ortho-Cept.

NuvaRing

NuvaRing is a combination hormonal contraceptive delivered through a flexible vaginal ring rather than a pill. It is inserted for three weeks, then removed for a one-week ring-free interval, and this cycle repeats monthly. It has been FDA approved since 2001 and is the only monthly ring-based combined contraceptive.

Apri vs. NuvaRing Side Effects

Apri

Most common
Nausea (rate not quantified in labeling)
Breakthrough bleeding/spotting (rate not quantified in labeling)
Breast tenderness (rate not quantified in labeling)
Headache (rate not quantified in labeling)

NuvaRing

Most common
Vaginitis (up to 13.8%)
Headache (up to 11.2%)
Mood changes (up to 6.4%)
Device-related events (up to 6.3%)

Apri vs. NuvaRing 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

NuvaRing

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 1 ring vaginally Weeks 1-3
Maximum dose ring-free interval Week 4
Dose changes 1 increase Every 3 weeks

Apri vs. NuvaRing Indications

Apri

Apri is FDA approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose an oral contraceptive. It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

  • Prevention of pregnancy

  • Daily oral tablet regimen

  • Not approved for STI or HIV prevention

NuvaRing

NuvaRing is FDA approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose to use a vaginal ring for contraception. It is not approved for emergency contraception and does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

  • Prevention of pregnancy

  • Monthly vaginal ring regimen

  • Not approved for emergency contraception

Apri vs. NuvaRing Pros and Cons

Apri

Apri offers a well-established daily pill option with a progestin that has minimal androgenic activity, which can be helpful for women prone to acne. It is generally the more affordable of the two options at the pharmacy counter.

Pros

  • Roughly $30 to $99 per pack, versus $200 to $584 for NuvaRing

  • Desogestrel has minimal androgenic activity, which may help with acne

  • No vaginal insertion or device required

Cons

  • Requires remembering a pill at roughly the same time every day

  • Missed pills can quickly lower effectiveness

  • More pieces to manage over a cycle than a once-a-month ring

NuvaRing

NuvaRing trades daily pill-taking for a once-a-month ring that a woman inserts and removes herself. This can simplify adherence but comes with device-related issues and a higher typical cost.

Pros

  • Only needs to be changed once a month instead of daily

  • No daily reminder needed once the ring is in place

  • Fewer chances to miss a dose compared with a daily pill

Cons

  • Roughly $200 to $584 per month, well above Apri's typical price

  • Vaginitis occurs in up to 13.8% of users

  • Device-related events, like discomfort or expulsion, occur in up to 6.3% of users

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.