Microgestin vs. Apri
See how Microgestin and Apri compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Microgestin and Apri are combination oral contraceptives that prevent pregnancy by pairing estrogen with a progestin, but the progestins differ and carry different side effect profiles.
Microgestin uses norethindrone acetate and comes in two strengths with several pack-length options, while Apri uses desogestrel in a single, standardized 28-day regimen.
Microgestin's FDA label lists specific side effect rates from clinical trials, while Apri's label does not quantify exact rates for its most common reactions like nausea and headache.
Microgestin vs. Apri Drug Summary
Microgestin
Microgestin is a combination oral contraceptive that pairs norethindrone acetate with ethinyl estradiol to prevent pregnancy. It is taken once daily, in either a 21-day pack or a 28-day pack that adds a week of iron tablets.
Apri
Apri is a combination oral contraceptive that pairs desogestrel with ethinyl estradiol to prevent pregnancy. It is taken once daily in a 28-day pack with 21 active tablets followed by 7 inert tablets.
Microgestin vs. Apri Side Effects
Microgestin
Apri
Microgestin vs. Apri Dosage
Microgestin
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/20 mcg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate/day | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 21 days |
| 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 |
Microgestin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/20 mcg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate/day | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 21 days |
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 |
Microgestin vs. Apri Indications
Microgestin
Microgestin is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose oral contraceptives. It combines a synthetic progestin, norethindrone acetate, with ethinyl estradiol to suppress ovulation. It is not approved to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
Prevents pregnancy through combined hormonal contraception
Available in 21-day, 28-day, and 24-day iron-supplemented (Fe) packs
Two dose strengths (1 mg/20 mcg and 1.5 mg/30 mcg) for flexible dosing
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
Apri
Apri is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose oral contraceptives. It combines desogestrel, a low-androgenic progestin, with ethinyl estradiol to suppress ovulation. It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Prevents pregnancy through combined hormonal contraception
Taken as a 28-day pack with 21 active and 7 inert tablets
Generic equivalent of the brand-name pill Ortho-Cept
Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections
Microgestin vs. Apri Pros and Cons
Microgestin
Microgestin has been available since 1968, giving it one of the longest safety track records among oral contraceptives. It comes in two estrogen doses and several pack lengths, letting clinicians tailor the regimen to individual patients.
Pros
Over 50 years of clinical use and accumulated safety data
Available in two strengths (1/20, 1.5/30) and multiple pack lengths
Generally less expensive: about $20 to $50 per month without insurance, versus $30 to $99 for Apri
Cons
Norethindrone has more androgenic activity, which may worsen acne in some users
Requires attention to which pack variant (21-day vs 24 Fe) is prescribed
Higher documented rate of vaginal candidiasis in clinical trials
Apri
Apri has been available since 1999 and uses desogestrel, a progestin with lower androgenic activity than norethindrone. It follows a single, standardized 28-day dosing schedule without alternate strength options.
Pros
Desogestrel's low androgenic activity may mean fewer acne or hair-growth effects
Single consistent dosing regimen simplifies pill-pack instructions
Well-established generic equivalent with a long market history
Cons
Typically costs more out-of-pocket: roughly $30 to $99 per month without insurance, compared with $20 to $50 for Microgestin
FDA labeling does not quantify exact side effect rates, making comparison less precise
Only one standard formulation, without alternative strengths like Microgestin's 1.5/30
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.