Apri

Apri is a type of birth control pill that is used by women who want to prevent pregnancy. It is a combined oral contraceptive, which contains both an estrogen and a progestin. It is important to take Apri every day, as missing doses increases your risk of pregnancy. Potential side effects of Apri include headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness.

 

What Is Apri?

Apri® (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription oral contraceptive (commonly known as a birth control pill) and is a generic version of Desogen®. There are several other birth control pills that are equivalent to Apri, including:
 
  • Desogen® (made by Organon USA, Inc.)
  • Ortho-Cept® (made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.)
  • Reclipsen™ (made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
  • Solia™ (made by Prasco Laboratories).
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(Click What Is Apri Used For? for more information on what Apri is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects of Apri

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Apri. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Apri include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Breakthrough bleeding or spotting (between periods)
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headaches.
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(Click Apri Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;