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
Nexplanon
Sprintec vs. Nexplanon Dosage
Sprintec
Nexplanon
| 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 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | 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 |
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 |
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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