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

Most common
headache (up to 7%)
breast tenderness (up to 4%)
nausea/vomiting (up to 7%)
bleeding irregularities (up to 5%)

Apri

Most common
headache (rate not quantified in labeling)
breast tenderness (rate not quantified in labeling)
nausea (rate not quantified in labeling)
breakthrough bleeding/spotting (rate not quantified in labeling)

Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Apri Dosage

Lo Loestrin Fe

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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