Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Apri
See how Lo Loestrin Fe and Apri compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Medically reviewed by Lauren Okafor | MD, The Frank H Netter MD School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center on September 7th, 2026.
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
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