Yaz vs. Depo-Provera
See how Yaz and Depo-Provera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Yaz is a daily pill that also treats PMDD and acne, while Depo-Provera is a shot given once every three months only for pregnancy prevention.
Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning for bone density loss, while Yaz carries a boxed warning about smoking and cardiovascular risk.
Depo-Provera causes more menstrual bleeding changes and weight gain, while Yaz's most common side effects occur less often and are milder.
Yaz vs. Depo-Provera Drug Summary
Yaz
Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily to prevent pregnancy. It is also FDA-approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne in women who want birth control at the same time.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive given as an intramuscular injection once every three months. It contains no estrogen and is FDA-approved solely to prevent pregnancy.
Yaz vs. Depo-Provera Side Effects
Yaz
Depo-Provera
Yaz vs. Depo-Provera Dosage
Yaz
Depo-Provera
| 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 | 150 mg every 3 months | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg every 3 months | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
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 |
Depo-Provera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 150 mg every 3 months | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 150 mg every 3 months | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Yaz vs. Depo-Provera Indications
Yaz
Yaz prevents pregnancy when taken daily and is one of the few birth control pills also approved to treat PMDD and moderate acne. It combines an estrogen and a progestin, so it carries the cardiovascular risks typical of combination pills.
Prevent pregnancy
Treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Treat moderate acne in women 14 and older who want oral contraception
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera's only FDA-approved use is pregnancy prevention, delivered as a shot every three months. Some clinicians use it off-label for other conditions, though this is not an FDA-approved indication.
Prevent pregnancy
Off-label: manage endometriosis-related pelvic pain
Off-label: support gender-affirming hormone therapy
Yaz vs. Depo-Provera Pros and Cons
Yaz
Yaz offers benefits beyond contraception since it is also approved for PMDD and acne, but it carries the cardiovascular risks that come with estrogen-containing pills. It requires daily adherence and list prices run higher than injectable options.
Pros
Only pill also FDA-approved for PMDD and acne treatment
Daily oral dosing that can be stopped immediately if needed
No injection or clinic visit required for dosing
Effects on cycle and fertility reverse quickly after stopping
Cons
Boxed warning: smokers over 35 face serious cardiovascular risk
Contraindicated in renal, hepatic, or adrenal disease
Requires daily adherence; missed pills lower effectiveness
Roughly $112 to $226 per month without insurance, pricier than Depo-Provera at list price
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera's once-every-three-months schedule appeals to people who don't want to remember a daily pill, and it avoids estrogen-related risks entirely. Its boxed warning for bone loss and high rates of bleeding changes and weight gain are real tradeoffs to weigh.
Pros
Only needs dosing once every three months
Contains no estrogen, an option for those who can't take it
Effectiveness isn't tied to daily adherence or timing
Roughly $20 to $45 per month equivalent, less expensive than Yaz at list price
Cons
Boxed warning: significant bone density loss with prolonged use
Menstrual bleeding changes are very common, affecting most users
Weight gain over 10 lb reported in over a third of users by 24 months
Fertility may take several months to return after stopping
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