Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Apri
See how Lo Loestrin Fe and Apri compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Lo Loestrin Fe has the lowest estrogen dose of any FDA-approved birth control pill, while Apri uses a standard 30 mcg estrogen dose.
Both are once-daily combination pills, but Lo Loestrin Fe follows a three-phase 28-day pack while Apri follows a simpler 21-active/7-inert schedule.
Apri is widely available as a generic and typically costs far less out of pocket than the brand-name Lo Loestrin Fe.
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Apri Drug Summary
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, and iron supplements, taken once daily in a 28-day pack. It prevents pregnancy and contains the lowest estrogen dose of any FDA-approved birth control pill, at 10 mcg.
Apri
Apri is a combination oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily in a 28-day pack with 21 active tablets and 7 inert tablets. It prevents pregnancy and uses a progestin with minimal androgenic activity.
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Apri Side Effects
Lo Loestrin Fe
Apri
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Apri Dosage
Lo Loestrin Fe
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/10 mcg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Days 27-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 active tablet daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 1 inert tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Lo Loestrin Fe
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/10 mcg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Days 27-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 active tablet daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 1 inert tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Apri Indications
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved solely for pregnancy prevention in women who choose oral contraceptives. Some clinicians prescribe it off-label to help manage acne or other hormonal symptoms, though this is not an FDA-approved use.
Prevents pregnancy in women choosing oral contraceptives
Off-label: may help manage acne or hormonal symptoms
Not approved for protection against HIV or other STIs
Lowest estrogen dose among FDA-approved oral contraceptives
Apri
Apri is FDA-approved solely for pregnancy prevention in women who choose oral contraceptives. Like other combination pills, it may be used off-label for hormonal symptom management, though this is not an FDA-approved indication.
Prevents pregnancy in women choosing oral contraceptives
Off-label: sometimes used for hormonal symptom management
Not approved for protection against HIV or other STIs
Long-established generic option since 1999
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Apri Pros and Cons
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe's ultra-low 10 mcg estrogen dose may reduce estrogen-related side effects for some users, but its three-phase dosing and brand pricing can make it more complex and more costly than generic alternatives.
Pros
Lowest estrogen dose (10 mcg) of any FDA-approved pill
Includes iron supplementation during placebo days
24 active days may reduce hormone-withdrawal symptoms
Cons
Roughly $171 to $1,017 per month without insurance, well above many generic pills
Three-phase pack (24/2/2 days) is more complex than standard regimens
Fewer generic versions available compared to older pills
Apri
Apri uses a standard estrogen dose paired with desogestrel, a progestin with decades of clinical use and low androgenic activity. Its simple 21/7 dosing pattern and generic pricing make it an accessible option for many patients.
Pros
Roughly $30 to $99 per month cash price, well below many brand-name pills
Desogestrel progestin has minimal androgenic activity
Simple 21-active/7-inert dosing schedule
Cons
Standard 30 mcg estrogen dose may cause more estrogen-related side effects than ultra-low-dose options
No built-in iron supplementation
Side effect rates not quantified in current FDA labeling
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.