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

Most common
Headache/migraine (up to 32.9%)
Vaginal infection (up to 8.4%)
Genital discharge (up to 6.8%)
Breast issues (up to 6.3%)

Microgestin

Most common
Headache (up to 6.3%)
Vaginal candidiasis (up to 6.1%)
Nausea (up to 4.6%)
Menstrual cramps (up to 4.4%)

Sprintec vs. Microgestin Dosage

Sprintec

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.