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Sexual Health ... Apri

Apri birth control prescription available online

Apri birth control is an effective contraceptive prescription. Get a same-day prescription or refill of Apri today from a caring, board-certified doctor online.*

FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy Available as an oral tablet Follow full course for effectiveness
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Apri birth control online
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
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About Apri

Apri is considered a combination birth control pill, which contains female hormones that prevent ovulation. Apri also causes changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Apri is used to prevent pregnancy. Apri is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol.

Apri may be prescribed as an oral tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.

If you're prescribed Apri, be sure to complete the entire course of birth control unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, birth control may not work as effectively to prevent pregnancy.

Apri birth control uses

Apri is FDA-approved for birth control and it may also be prescribed by your online doctor off-label to treat other conditions. Your healthcare provider may prescribe it for various reasons listed. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.

Pregnancy prevention

Apri is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal birth control is highly effective in preventing pregnancy with proper usage. Like other oral contraceptives, Apri does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

Apri birth control side effects

The side effects associated with taking Apri are typically mild. Most Apri side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. Apri has some common side effects. They may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Breast tenderness

  • Breakthrough bleeding

  • Weight gain

  • Acne


Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

  • Signs of a stroke (sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, slurred speech)

  • High blood pressure

  • Signs of a blood clot (sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, vision loss)


You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The use of Apri in children is recommended after menarche.

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How to take Apri

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Apri prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Apri can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. You should take your first birth control pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins. You'll need back-up birth control, such as condoms, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

Take one pill each day for 28 days, no more than 24 hours apart. When your pill pack runs out, start a new pill the next day.

What to avoid while taking Apri

Apri has 434 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.

Possible drug interactions with Apri include:


It is safe to drink alcohol while taking Apri. Talk to your doctor before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit may increase the plasma concentrations of Apri.

Medication alternatives to Apri

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest other birth control pills or another birth control method in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Pregnancy prevention

Aviane (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)
Lo loestrin fe
Micronor (norethisterone)

Apri prescription FAQs

How much does Apri birth control cost?

Depending on your pharmacy, Apri costs around $63 for 168 tablets without insurance. Fortunately, many health insurance plans offer free or low-cost birth control pills.

How can I refill my Apri contraception prescription?

To refill your Apri prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.

Who should not take Apri?

To make sure Apri is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • Untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure

  • Coronary artery disease, blood clots, or history of heart attack

  • Underlying risk factors for cardiovascular disease

  • An increased risk of blood clots

  • Circulation problems

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding

  • Cervical cancer or breast cancer

  • Liver or kidney disease

  • Gallbladder disease

  • Severe migraine headaches

Women who are 35 years or older and who smoke should not use hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.

How long does Apri take to become effective?

Apri becomes effective within 7 days. If you're starting birth control pills, you'll need to use another method of birth control for the first week to prevent pregnancy.

Do you get a period with Apri birth control?

Yes, you'll still have your period while taking Apri birth control pills. Apri contains 28 tablets in each packet, and your period should start during the last week of each pack.

What should you not do while on birth control?

Avoid skipping doses or taking pills outside of your normal medication schedule. Missing doses of birth control pills can lead to an increased risk of pregnancy.

What happens if I miss a dose of Apri?

If you've missed a dose of Apri, take two pills on the day you remember. If you miss two active pills during week 1 or 2, take two pills per day for two days. Make sure to use back-up birth control for at least one week following the missed dose.

What happens if I take too much Apri?

If you've taken too much Apri, seek emergency medical help or call your local poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, nausea, and vaginal bleeding.

3 simple steps to request your Apri prescription today

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book an Apri prescription appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Apri prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your Apri prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

How to talk to your doctor about Apri birth control: helpful questions to ask

At PlushCare, our priority is making sure you receive the information and advice you need when making decisions about your health and wellness. It’s important to take the time to really understand the best birth control options for your personal health history, lifestyle and reproductive health. Here are some questions that may be helpful to discuss with your doctor:

  • How does Apri compare to other hormonal birth control options?

  • Is Apri birth control safe to take for a long period of time?

  • When is the best time to take my birth control?

  • Will birth control interact with any of my current medications?

  • Will Apri cause my periods to stop?

  • Will taking birth control affect my fertility if I plan to get pregnant in the future?

  • What should I do if I experience unwanted side effects?

  • How often do you recommend follow-up appointments regarding my birth control?

How pricing works

To get a new or refill on your Apri prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:


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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.