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

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%)

Skyla

Most common
Vulvovaginitis (up to 20%)
Abdominal/pelvic pain (up to 19%)
Acne/seborrhea (up to 15%)
Ovarian cyst (up to 13%)

Sprintec vs. Skyla 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

Skyla

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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