Yasmin vs. Apri
See how Yasmin and Apri compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Yasmin contains drospirenone, which has anti-bloating effects, while Apri uses desogestrel, a progestin with minimal androgenic activity.
Both pills prevent pregnancy effectively, but Yasmin is also commonly used off-label for acne and PCOS-related cycle problems.
Yasmin requires potassium monitoring in certain patients, while Apri carries no such restriction but has less detailed side effect data in its labeling.
Yasmin vs. Apri Drug Summary
Yasmin
Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. It is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and is taken once daily for 21 active days followed by 7 placebo days in a 28-day pack.
Apri
Apri is a combined oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and is taken once daily in a 28-day pack with 21 active tablets followed by 7 inert tablets.
Yasmin vs. Apri Side Effects
Yasmin
Apri
Yasmin vs. Apri Dosage
Yasmin
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.03 mg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | Placebo tablet once daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
| 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 |
Yasmin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.03 mg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | Placebo tablet once daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Apri
| 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 |
Yasmin vs. Apri Indications
Yasmin
Yasmin is FDA-approved solely for preventing pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. Doctors also prescribe it off-label to treat acne, manage PCOS-related irregular cycles, and reduce heavy or painful periods.
Prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential
Off-label: treatment of acne
Off-label: management of PCOS-related irregular cycles
Apri
Apri is FDA-approved only for preventing pregnancy in women who choose oral contraceptives. Unlike Yasmin, its FDA labeling does not describe any additional off-label uses, so it functions strictly as a standard combination birth control pill.
Prevention of pregnancy in women who choose oral contraceptives
21 active tablets followed by 7 inert tablets each cycle
Generic equivalent of Ortho-Cept, an established combination pill
Yasmin vs. Apri Pros and Cons
Yasmin
Yasmin's drospirenone component offers anti-bloating effects not found in most other combined pills, and it has a well-documented off-label track record for acne and PCOS symptoms. It requires added caution in patients with kidney, liver, or adrenal issues because of its effect on potassium levels.
Pros
Drospirenone reduces bloating and fluid retention
Well-documented off-label use for acne and PCOS symptoms
Longer real-world use history since 2001 FDA approval
Cons
Contraindicated in kidney, liver, or adrenal disease
Requires potassium monitoring with certain medications
No generic equivalent noted, unlike Apri
Apri
Apri's desogestrel progestin carries minimal androgenic activity, which can be gentler on skin and mood for some users. It carries the same general contraceptive risks as Yasmin, but its label does not spell out specific rates for common side effects.
Pros
Desogestrel progestin has minimal androgenic activity
No potassium monitoring needed, unlike Yasmin
Available as a generic equivalent of Ortho-Cept
Cons
Side effect rates not quantified in FDA labeling
No documented off-label uses in its label, unlike Yasmin
Less anti-bloating benefit than drospirenone-containing pills
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