Apri (desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol) prescription available online
If you're interested in pregnancy prevention, Apri can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Apri today from a board-certified doctor online.*
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FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy
Available as an oral tablet
Follow full course for effectiveness
*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.
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 uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Apri, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. 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 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
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)
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.
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, 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:
St. John's Wort
Vitamin B12 and D3
Zyrtec (cetirizine)
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 (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol)Micronor (norethisterone)
Apri prescription FAQs
How much does Apri 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 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
Step 1
Book an Apri prescription appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Apri prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Apri prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Apri prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Apri prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all 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
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:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
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
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Apri prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
DailyMed. APRI 28 DAY- desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol kit. Accessed on November 20, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a9e08f9b-9862-4c2c-8302-53dc82d85126
Mayo Clinic. Desogestrel And Ethinyl Estradiol (Oral Route). Accessed on November 20, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/desogestrel-and-ethinyl-estradiol-oral-route/description/drg-20061362
MedlinePlus. Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives). Accessed on November 20, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601050.html