Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Nexplanon
See how Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Nexplanon compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a daily triphasic pill that also treats moderate acne, while Nexplanon is a single implant that prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years without daily effort.
Nexplanon has a lower real-world failure rate because it does not rely on remembering a daily dose, but it requires a clinician to insert and remove it.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen generics cost far less per month out of pocket than Nexplanon's upfront implant price, though insurance often covers both.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Nexplanon Drug Summary
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a triphasic combination oral contraceptive containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once daily for 28 days, with three weeks of active tablets at rising hormone doses followed by a week of placebo. It is also FDA-approved to treat moderate acne in women who want oral contraception.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a progestin-only contraceptive implant containing etonogestrel. A clinician places a single flexible rod just under the skin of the upper arm, and it prevents pregnancy continuously for up to 3 years. It requires no daily, weekly, or monthly action once inserted.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Nexplanon Side Effects
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Nexplanon
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Nexplanon Dosage
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Nexplanon
| 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 | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | 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 |
Nexplanon
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Nexplanon Indications
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and to treat moderate acne in females at least 15 years old who also want oral contraception. It is not approved for emergency contraception or for protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Treats moderate acne in females 15 and older
Not approved for emergency contraception
Not intended to prevent STIs
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is FDA-approved only for the prevention of pregnancy, using continuous release of etonogestrel from a subdermal implant. It is not approved for use beyond 3 years without replacement, and it does not treat any other condition.
Prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years
Requires no daily or weekly action
Not approved for use past 3 years without replacement
Does not treat acne or other conditions
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Nexplanon Pros and Cons
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen offers a familiar, low-cost daily pill with the added benefit of treating acne, but it depends on remembering a dose every day and carries estrogen-related cardiovascular risks.
Pros
Also treats moderate acne
Roughly $10 to $25 per month for generics, before insurance
Can be stopped at any time without a procedure
Cycle can be timed or adjusted with clinician guidance
Cons
Requires taking a pill at the same time every day
Higher risk of blood clots due to the estrogen component
Not recommended for smokers over 35
Typical-use failure rate is higher than long-acting methods
Nexplanon
Nexplanon removes the daily-adherence problem entirely, since one insertion protects against pregnancy for up to 3 years, but it costs far more upfront and requires a clinician for insertion and removal.
Pros
No daily or weekly action required
One of the most effective reversible contraceptives available
Fertility returns quickly after removal
Lasts up to 3 years per insertion
Cons
Requires an in-office procedure for insertion and removal
Roughly $1,030 to $1,275 per implant, before insurance
Irregular bleeding is a common reason for early removal
No generic version currently available
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