Sprintec vs. Microgestin
See how Sprintec and Microgestin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Sprintec and Microgestin are both combination birth control pills that use estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy in a daily tablet.
Sprintec delivers a steady, monophasic dose of norgestimate and is also used off-label for acne, while Microgestin uses norethindrone acetate and comes in several strengths and pack types.
Both carry the same cardiovascular warnings for smokers over 35, but their most commonly reported side effects differ in both type and frequency.
Sprintec vs. Microgestin Drug Summary
Sprintec
Sprintec is a combination oral contraceptive containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and used off-label to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older. It's taken once daily in a 28-day pack with 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills, keeping hormone levels steady throughout the cycle.
Microgestin
Microgestin is a combination oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose oral contraception. It's taken once daily and comes in several pack types, including 21-day, 28-day, and 24-day Fe versions that add iron during the pill-free days.
Sprintec vs. Microgestin Side Effects
Sprintec
Microgestin
Sprintec vs. Microgestin Dosage
Sprintec
Microgestin
| 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 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 |
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 |
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 |
Sprintec vs. Microgestin Indications
Sprintec
Sprintec is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy. It's also used off-label to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older, though it isn't approved as emergency contraception or for women over 35 who smoke.
Prevention of pregnancy
Off-label treatment of moderate acne in females 15+
Not approved as emergency contraception
Not recommended for women over 35 who smoke
Microgestin
Microgestin is FDA-approved solely to prevent pregnancy in women who choose oral contraception. It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and carries the same smoking-related restrictions as other combination pills.
Prevention of pregnancy
Not approved to prevent STIs, including HIV
Not recommended for women over 35 who smoke
Available in Fe (iron) formulations for the pill-free week
Sprintec vs. Microgestin Pros and Cons
Sprintec
Sprintec delivers a steady, monophasic hormone dose and carries an added acne indication that many similar pills don't have. Like other combination pills, it still carries cardiovascular risks for smokers over 35.
Pros
FDA-approved to treat moderate acne, not just prevent pregnancy
Monophasic formula keeps hormone levels steady all cycle
Simple single-strength dosing across the entire active pack
Cons
Headache/migraine reported in about a third of users in trials
Vaginal infections reported in up to 8% of users
Not approved for use as emergency contraception
Microgestin
Microgestin has decades of real-world use and offers multiple dose strengths and pack formats, including iron-supplemented options. It carries the same combination-pill contraindications as Sprintec, including risks for smokers over 35.
Pros
Long track record, on the market since 1968
Offered in multiple strengths (1/20 and 1.5/30) for flexibility
Fe pack versions add iron supplementation during placebo days
Cons
Not FDA-approved or studied for acne treatment
Regimen varies across pack types, which can be confusing
Older progestin formulation with less contraceptive variety
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
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