Apri is a birth control pill that combines two hormones, which is why it’s called a “combined oral contraceptive pill” or COCP. It is primarily prescribed to prevent pregnancy but it’s also used to help with acne and to regulate periods.
How does Apri work?
Apri works in three ways to protect you from becoming pregnant.
The birth control pill affects ovulation. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary. The pill might stop ovulation completely but it’s not a guarantee.
Apri has an effect on the mucus in your cervix too. When you’re using the pill, it thickens the mucus so it’s harder for sperm to get through, and then reach an egg.
The hormones in Apri also impact the uterine lining. This lining, when you aren’t using hormonal birth control, builds up naturally over the month. When the lining comes away, this is when you have your period. But when you’re using Apri birth control pills, this lining doesn’t build up as normal. As a result, your lining is much thinner and your period tends to be a lot lighter than it normally would be.
How effective is Apri?
If you use it exactly as instructed, Apri is over 99% effective. This means that fewer than one in 100 women using it over a whole year will get pregnant.
The effectiveness of Apri will drop when the pill is taken typically, which includes the occasional late or missed pill. In such a case, its effectiveness drops to around 91% (so nine in 100 women per year using the pill typically will get pregnant).
The best way to make sure Apri works as well as possible is to follow the instructions as closely as you can.
How long does it take Apri to become effective?
When you first start taking Apri as your method of birth control, it can take around seven days for the pill to become effective (unless you take it on day 1 of your period).
So when you first start taking Apri, you should use another method of birth control whenever you have sex. This shouldn’t be another hormonal method (like the patch or the ring) because there are specific amounts of hormones in each product that make it safe to use.
Using multiple methods and having more hormones in your system can have a harmful impact on your health. Instead, use condoms or a diaphragm whenever you have sex.
ApriDesogestrel, ethinyl estradiol
How do I take Apri?
Apri needs to be taken at the same time each day to make it as effective as possible. You can take it with food if you like, but it isn’t necessary.
You might want to set a reminder or alarm to remember to take Apri at the same time each day.
When you first start taking Apri, you should use a back-up birth control method (like condoms or a diaphragm) for the first seven days, until your body becomes used to Apri and it becomes effective.
When can I start taking Apri?
When you start using Apri, you can either take it on the first day of your period and be protected against pregnancy right away; or start on another day of the month, but use condoms for the first seven days of use.
If you’re switching from another pill, you can start Apri the day after your last pill in your previous pack.
What happens if I miss a pill?
If you accidentally miss a pill, don’t panic. What you should do next will depend on how far into your monthly pack you are as well as how many pills you’ve missed. When you miss pills, your birth control is less effective at protecting you against pregnancy.
If you miss an active pill, take two at the same time and then go back to taking one a day until your pack is finished.
If you miss two pills in the first or second week, take two pills a day for two days in a row. After those two days, take one pill a day until you finish up your packet. Use condoms or another back-up birth control when you have sex for a week to make sure you’re as protected as possible.
If you miss two pills in the third week, throw away your pack and start a new pack of Apri. You should do the same thing if you miss three pills in a row in weeks one, two or three.
Missing pills can impact your cycle, so you might not get your period that month. If you don’t have a period for two months in a row, however, you should take a pregnancy test.
What if I’m sick when taking Apri?
If you experience vomiting or diarrhea while taking your pill, it could impact how effective it is. This is because your body doesn’t have the opportunity to absorb the pill properly. Just use a back-up contraceptive method like condoms until you’re feeling better.
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ApriDesogestrel, ethinyl estradiol
ApriDesogestrel, ethinyl estradiol
Apri: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
What other alternatives to Apri are there?
Answer:
Apri is known by several other names, including Dosegen, Isibloom, Cyred, Emoquette, Enskyce, Juleber, Ortho-Cept, Reclipsen or Solia.
The way each of these works in the body is the same, because they contain the same hormones, in the same amounts. The only differences are the way the pills look, and the packaging they come in.
What other pills can I switch to from Apri?
Answer:
There are lots of choices. It really depends on what you want out of a pill. Most combined birth control pills have the same level of protection when taken correctly. The main difference is how well they control other symptoms.
You may be less likely to get heavy periods or breast fullness on pills using a different type of progestogen, like Portia. But for some women, they might not be as good at controlling acne and be more likely to affect your sex drive than Apri.
Women who get migraines or are at a higher risk of blood clots for any reason are normally advised against the combined pill. The progestogen-only pill is safer in these cases.
So really, it’s about finding the right pill for you.
Can I take Apri for acne?
Answer:
Apri is primarily a birth control pill. But some women do find it helpful for acne. It’s also less likely than some other pills to affect your sex drive, or cause vaginal dryness, headaches or fuller breasts.
It’s also in the middle of the range for causing progestogenic or estrogenic side effects, so many women will find it gives them a good balance for controlling menstrual symptoms like heavy bleeding during periods, or water retention.
You shouldn’t take Apri solely for acne, but if you’re looking for a birth control pill that helps to control acne as an added benefit, Apri may be useful.
Can Apri be used as Plan B?
Answer:
No. Plan B One-Step is a type of emergency contraception, sometimes also called the “morning-after pill.” Think of birth control pills like Apri as your Plan A. When taken as directed every day, without missing any pills, Apri is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
If you do miss one or more pills, or if you are worried about being fully protected, we recommend using a back-up method of birth control when you have sex, like condoms or a diaphragm. If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test and get in touch with your doctor.
Can any woman take Apri?
Answer:
No, it’s not safe for all women to use Apri. It’s not suitable for women who smoke, because of the increased chances of developing blood clots.
Apri most likely isn’t suitable for women who are over 35. If you are over this age, we can recommend a more suitable pill instead.
You should tell us about any pre-existing conditions, especially if you have:
diabetes
abnormal liver function
vascular heart disease
breast cancer (or if you have had breast cancer)
blood clots
Apri isn’t safe to use if you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding, and if you are having major surgery that will lead to periods of immobilization, let us know.
What should I do if I get side effects when taking Apri?
Answer:
If you get mild side effects, these can sometimes go away after a few weeks. But if you find that side effects persist, or cause you discomfort, tell us. We’ll normally be able to suggest a different pill that is less likely to have these effects.
If you develop serious side effects, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible
Can you take Apri when you’re breastfeeding?
Answer:
No, Apri can impact the production and flow of your breastmilk. It could pass over to your baby too. There are other contraceptive options out there that are better for breastfeeding mothers.
If you want to use Apri after having a baby, you might have to wait a few weeks before it’s safe to use. You’ll need to be checked over by your doctor, especially as the chances of blood clots after having a baby are high.
Do you need a prescription for Apri?
Answer:
Yes, you cannot buy hormonal birth control over the counter because it’s not safe for all women to use. It’s important to see a medical professional before you start using birth control so they can check that it’s a good option for you, and to make you aware of any potential risks of using it.
Why should I buy Apri with Treated?
Answer:
Getting your birth control pill is simple with our online consultation. Based on your health and what you’re looking for, we’ll suggest some options for you. Then you can choose which treatment you want to go with.
You can select how much medication you get and how often it’s delivered. We’ll ship your pill when you need it, every three, six or 12 months. You also have the power to change, pause or skip deliveries any time you like.
We’ll catch up with you regularly to see how your treatment is going. And if there’s anything you aren’t sure about, you can ask our clinicians a question any time you like.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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