Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Depo-Provera
See how Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Depo-Provera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a daily combination pill that also treats moderate acne, while Depo-Provera is a progestin-only shot given every three months.
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning for bone density loss with long-term use, a risk not listed for Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
Choosing between them often comes down to whether you prefer daily control with a pill or infrequent dosing with an injection.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Depo-Provera Drug Summary
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a triphasic combination oral contraceptive containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once daily in a 28-day cycle of 21 active tablets followed by 7 placebo tablets, and it is also FDA-approved to treat moderate acne in women who want oral contraception.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. It is given as an intramuscular injection once every three months instead of a daily pill, and it is approved only for preventing pregnancy.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Depo-Provera Side Effects
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Depo-Provera
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Depo-Provera Dosage
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.180 mg/0.035 mg daily | Days 1-7 |
| Maximum dose | Placebo tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every 7 days |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg every 3 months | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg every 3 months | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.180 mg/0.035 mg daily | Days 1-7 |
| Maximum dose | Placebo tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every 7 days |
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg every 3 months | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg every 3 months | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Depo-Provera Indications
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prevents pregnancy through a combination of estrogen and progestin taken daily. It is also approved to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older who want oral contraception. It is not approved for women over 35 who smoke or for use as emergency contraception.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily as directed
Treats moderate acne in women 15 and older who want birth control
Not approved for women over 35 who smoke
Not used as emergency contraception
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy through a progestin-only injection given every three months. It has no other FDA-approved use, and it is not recommended as a long-term method beyond two years unless other options are inadequate.
Prevents pregnancy with an injection every 3 months
Not approved for any use besides contraception
Not recommended long-term (over 2 years) unless needed
Not started before the first menstrual period
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Depo-Provera Pros and Cons
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen offers a well-established combination option that is also FDA-approved for acne, and multiple generic versions are widely available. Its estrogen component means clot risk and smoking restrictions apply, and missed pills quickly raise pregnancy risk.
Pros
Also treats moderate acne, not just contraception
Gives daily control you can stop anytime
No needles or injections required
Widely available in low-cost generic versions
Cons
Requires remembering a pill every day
Not recommended for smokers over 35
Estrogen component adds clot risk
Missed doses quickly raise pregnancy risk
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera offers convenient dosing every three months without a daily pill, using only a progestin. Its boxed warning for bone loss and high rate of menstrual changes are the main trade-offs for that convenience.
Pros
Only needs an injection every 3 months
No daily pill to remember or miss
Long real-world track record since the 1990s
Progestin-only, an option when estrogen is not suitable
Cons
Carries a boxed warning for bone density loss
Not recommended past 2 years unless needed
Menstrual irregularities are very common
Effects can't be reversed once injected
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