Yaz vs. Apri
See how Yaz and Apri compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Yaz is FDA-approved to treat PMDD and moderate acne on top of preventing pregnancy, while Apri is approved only for pregnancy prevention.
Both pills carry an increased risk of blood clots and stroke, and neither should be used by women over 35 who smoke.
Yaz's drospirenone can raise potassium levels, so it isn't an option for women with kidney, liver, or adrenal disease, a restriction Apri does not carry.
Yaz vs. Apri Drug Summary
Yaz
Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily in a 28-day cycle. It prevents pregnancy and is also FDA-approved to treat PMDD and moderate acne in women who want birth control.
Apri
Apri is a combination oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily across a 28-day cycle of 21 active and 7 inert tablets. It is FDA-approved only to prevent pregnancy.
Yaz vs. Apri Side Effects
Yaz
Apri
Yaz vs. Apri Dosage
Yaz
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | Inert tablet once daily | Days 25-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 24 days |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 active tablet daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 1 inert tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Yaz
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | Inert tablet once daily | Days 25-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 24 days |
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 active tablet daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 1 inert tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Yaz vs. Apri Indications
Yaz
Yaz prevents pregnancy and is also approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne in women who want an oral contraceptive. It is one of the few birth control pills with these dual approvals.
Prevent pregnancy
Treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Treat moderate acne in women 14 and older who want oral contraception
Apri
Apri is approved only to prevent pregnancy. Some prescribers use combination pills like Apri off-label for acne or cycle-related mood symptoms, but this is not an FDA-approved use for this drug.
Prevent pregnancy (only FDA-approved use)
Off-label use for acne symptoms (not FDA-approved)
Off-label use for menstrual cycle regulation (not FDA-approved)
Yaz vs. Apri Pros and Cons
Yaz
Yaz offers added FDA approval for PMDD and acne that most combination pills, including Apri, do not have. Its drospirenone component carries a small risk of raising potassium, so it isn't an option for anyone with kidney, liver, or adrenal disease.
Pros
FDA-approved for PMDD, not just contraception
FDA-approved for moderate acne treatment
Drospirenone has anti-androgenic effects that may help skin
Cons
Contraindicated with renal, hepatic, or adrenal disease
Drospirenone can raise potassium levels (hyperkalemia risk)
Higher list price, roughly $112 to $226 per month before insurance
Apri
Apri is a straightforward contraceptive option without the added potassium risk that comes with drospirenone. It costs less out of pocket than Yaz but does not carry any additional FDA-approved use beyond preventing pregnancy.
Pros
No potassium-related contraindications like Yaz has
Desogestrel has minimal androgenic activity
Lower list price, roughly $30 to $99 per month before insurance
Cons
Not FDA-approved for PMDD or acne like Yaz is
Side effect rates aren't quantified in its FDA labeling
Requires off-label use for any benefit beyond contraception
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