Sprintec vs. Apri
See how Sprintec 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 2nd, 2026.
Key Takeaways
Sprintec and Apri are both combination birth control pills taken once daily in a 28-day pack, but they use different progestins with different side effect profiles.
Sprintec's label reports headache as very common (up to 32.9%), while Apri's desogestrel progestin has minimal androgenic activity, which may mean fewer acne-related side effects.
Sprintec is also used off-label for acne treatment, while Apri is FDA-approved only for pregnancy prevention.
Sprintec vs. Apri Drug Summary
Sprintec
Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) is a combination oral contraceptive that prevents pregnancy and is also used off-label to treat moderate acne. It's taken as one tablet daily in a 28-day pack, with 21 active pills followed by 7 inert ones.
Apri
Apri (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a combination oral contraceptive approved to prevent pregnancy. It's taken as one tablet daily in a 28-day pack, with 21 active pills followed by 7 inert ones, and uses a progestin with minimal androgenic activity.
Sprintec vs. Apri Side Effects
Sprintec
Apri
Sprintec vs. Apri Dosage
Sprintec
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | Days 1-28 |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | Days 1-28 |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Sprintec
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | Days 1-28 |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | Days 1-28 |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Sprintec vs. Apri Indications
Sprintec
Sprintec is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive potential who choose an oral contraceptive. It is also used off-label to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older who have no contraindications to hormonal birth control.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Off-label treatment for moderate acne (15+)
Monophasic formula, same hormone dose daily
Not for use as emergency contraception
Apri
Apri is FDA-approved solely to prevent pregnancy in women who choose an oral contraceptive. It contains desogestrel, a progestin with low androgenic activity, and is not approved to prevent HIV or other STIs.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Generic equivalent of Ortho-Cept
Progestin with minimal androgenic effect
Not approved to prevent HIV or STIs
Sprintec vs. Apri Pros and Cons
Sprintec
Sprintec has been available since 1989, giving it a long track record, and it's also used off-label for acne. Like all combined pills, it carries cardiovascular risks for smokers over 35, and headache is a very common side effect on its label.
Pros
Long-standing safety record since 1989
Also used off-label to treat acne
Monophasic dosing keeps hormone levels steady daily
Cons
Headache is very common (up to 32.9% of users)
Norgestimate progestin is more androgenic than desogestrel
Not approved for use as emergency contraception
Apri
Apri combines ethinyl estradiol with desogestrel, a progestin with minimal androgenic activity, which may mean fewer acne or oily-skin side effects for some users. It carries the same class-wide cardiovascular warnings as other combined pills for smokers over 35.
Pros
Desogestrel progestin has minimal androgenic activity
May cause less acne or oily skin than more androgenic pills
Well-established generic equivalent of Ortho-Cept since 1999
Cons
Newer on the market (1999) than Sprintec (1989)
Not approved or studied for acne treatment
Typically $30 to $99 per month, more than Sprintec's price
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