Sprintec vs. Nexplanon

See how Sprintec and Nexplanon compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Sprintec is a daily oral contraceptive pill taken at the same time each day, while Nexplanon is a matchstick-sized implant placed under the skin of the arm that works for up to three years.

  • Both prevent pregnancy effectively when used as directed, but Nexplanon removes the daily-pill step since it works continuously once inserted.

  • Sprintec also treats moderate acne and costs far less per month than Nexplanon, which requires a brief in-office procedure for insertion and removal.

Sprintec vs. Nexplanon Drug Summary

Sprintec

Sprintec is a combination oral contraceptive containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily to prevent pregnancy. It comes in a 28-day pack with 21 active pills and 7 inert pills, and it is also FDA-approved to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older.

Nexplanon

Nexplanon is a progestin-only contraceptive implant containing etonogestrel, inserted just under the skin of the upper arm. A single rod provides continuous pregnancy prevention for up to three years without any daily action from the patient.

Sprintec vs. Nexplanon Side Effects

Sprintec

Most common
Headache/migraine (up to 32.9%)
Vaginal infection (up to 8.4%)
Abdominal/gastrointestinal pain (up to 7.8%)
Genital discharge (up to 6.8%)

Nexplanon

Most common
Headache (10%)
Vaginitis (10%)
Weight increase (10%)
Acne (10%)

Sprintec vs. Nexplanon 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

Nexplanon

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Sprintec vs. Nexplanon Indications

Sprintec

Sprintec is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and is one of the few birth control pills also approved to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older. Some clinicians also prescribe it off-label to help regulate irregular cycles, though this is not an FDA-approved use.

  • Prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential

  • Treatment of moderate acne in females 15 and older

  • Off-label: cycle regulation in some patients

  • Not approved for emergency contraception

Nexplanon

Nexplanon is FDA-approved only for long-acting reversible contraception, providing continuous pregnancy prevention for up to three years per implant. It does not treat acne or other conditions and is not intended for use beyond three years without replacement.

  • Prevention of pregnancy for up to 3 years

  • Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)

  • Not approved for use beyond 3 years

  • Not approved for contraception in men

Sprintec vs. Nexplanon Pros and Cons

Sprintec

Sprintec offers flexible, reversible daily contraception with an added benefit for acne-prone skin, and it is widely covered with a low list price. Its effectiveness depends on taking it consistently at the same time every day, and it is not an option for women over 35 who smoke.

Pros

  • Also treats moderate acne in females 15+

  • No procedure needed to start or stop

  • Roughly $20 to $65 per month without insurance, far less than Nexplanon

  • Widely available with generic options

Cons

  • Requires taking a pill at the same time daily

  • Contraindicated for smokers over 35

  • Effectiveness drops with missed doses

  • Requires a new prescription or refill monthly

Nexplanon

Nexplanon removes the daily-adherence factor entirely, since it works continuously for three years once placed, making it one of the most effective reversible methods available. It requires a brief in-office insertion and removal procedure and carries a much higher upfront cost than a pill like Sprintec.

Pros

  • Over 99% effective, no daily action required

  • Lasts up to 3 years per implant

  • Progestin-only, an option for those who can't take estrogen

  • Effective quickly if inserted at the right cycle time

Cons

  • Requires a minor in-office procedure to insert and remove

  • Roughly $1,030 to $1,275 per month equivalent, versus $20 to $65 for Sprintec

  • Irregular or unpredictable bleeding is common

  • No generic version currently available

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