Sprintec vs. Skyla
See how Sprintec and Skyla compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Sprintec is a daily oral contraceptive that also has FDA approval to treat moderate acne, while Skyla is a hormonal IUD approved only for pregnancy prevention.
Skyla is inserted once and protects against pregnancy for up to three years, removing the need to remember a daily pill the way Sprintec requires.
Sprintec's most common side effect is headache, while Skyla's most common side effects involve vaginal infection and pelvic pain.
Sprintec vs. Skyla Drug Summary
Sprintec
Sprintec is a combination oral contraceptive containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once a day from a 28-day pack to prevent pregnancy, and it is also used to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older.
Skyla
Skyla is a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, a progestin-only form of birth control. A clinician inserts it into the uterus during a single office visit, where it prevents pregnancy for up to three years.
Sprintec vs. Skyla Side Effects
Sprintec
Skyla
Sprintec vs. Skyla Dosage
Sprintec
Skyla
| 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 | 13.5 mg IUS, one insertion | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 13.5 mg IUS, one insertion | 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 |
Skyla
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 13.5 mg IUS, one insertion | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 13.5 mg IUS, one insertion | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Sprintec vs. Skyla Indications
Sprintec
Sprintec is FDA-approved for preventing pregnancy in females who can become pregnant. Some clinicians also prescribe it off-label to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older, though pregnancy prevention is its primary approved use.
Prevention of pregnancy
Off-label: moderate acne treatment (15+)
Good fit for a daily oral routine
No in-office procedure needed
Skyla
Skyla is FDA-approved solely for the prevention of pregnancy, providing protection for up to three years after a single insertion. It is not approved for emergency contraception or for use before a person's first period.
Prevention of pregnancy for up to 3 years
Long-acting, reversible contraception
Studied specifically in nulliparous women
Does not protect against STIs
Sprintec vs. Skyla Pros and Cons
Sprintec
Sprintec offers a reversible, self-managed method of contraception that can also improve acne, with typical monthly costs far below an IUD's upfront price. Because it depends on daily adherence, missed pills lower its real-world protection compared to a set-and-forget device.
Pros
Also treats moderate acne (off-label)
Effects reverse quickly after stopping
Roughly $20 to $65 per month, no procedure needed
No insertion procedure or clinician visit required
Cons
Requires remembering a daily pill
Not for smokers over 35 due to cardiovascular risk
Higher real-world failure rate than an IUD
Systemic hormone side effects like headache are common
Skyla
Skyla removes the daily-adherence burden, delivering highly effective, long-acting protection from a single insertion that lasts up to three years. It requires a clinician visit for insertion and removal, and its higher upfront cost can be a barrier without insurance coverage.
Pros
No daily routine, works for up to 3 years
Very low user-error failure rate
Smallest, lowest-dose hormonal IUD available
Well suited for women who have never given birth
Cons
Requires an in-office insertion procedure
Roughly $1,028 to $1,329 upfront before insurance
Small risk of uterine perforation or expulsion
Does not protect against STIs
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