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
NuvaRing
Apri vs. NuvaRing Dosage
Apri
NuvaRing
| 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 | 1 ring vaginally | Weeks 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | ring-free interval | Week 4 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 3 weeks |
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 |
NuvaRing
| 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.