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

Most common
headache/migraine (6.7%)
nausea/vomiting (4.2%)
breast pain/tenderness (4.0%)
mood changes (2.2%)

Depo-Provera

Most common
irregular bleeding or spotting (57%)
headache (17%)
abdominal pain/discomfort (11%)
nervousness (11%)

Yaz vs. Depo-Provera Dosage

Yaz

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.