Apri

Apri is a prescription birth control pill used to help prevent pregnancy. It is a combined oral contraceptive containing desogestrel 0.15 mg, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg, an estrogen.

• Apri mainly works by preventing ovulation.
• It also changes cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
• Each 28-day pack contains 21 active hormonal tablets followed by 7 inactive reminder tablets.
• Apri is taken every day rather than only when you have sex.
• It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
• Apri is not intended for emergency contraception.

Take one Apri tablet by mouth every day at about the same time, following the order shown on the blister pack. After taking the 21 active tablets and 7 inactive reminder tablets, start your next pack on schedule without adding extra pill-free days.

• Take the tablets in the order shown on your package.
• Taking active pills consistently is important for maintaining pregnancy protection.
• The 7 white reminder tablets do not contain contraceptive hormones.
• Missing active pills may reduce pregnancy protection, depending on how many pills you miss and when.
• Special instructions apply if you miss pills, vomit, have diarrhea, or switch from another birth control method.

Possible side effects include nausea or vomiting, headache, breast tenderness, spotting or changes in menstrual bleeding, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, and mood changes. Some people may also have a lighter period or occasionally miss a period. This is not a complete list of possible effects.

• Combined birth control pills can increase the risk of serious blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
• Seek urgent medical care for severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe calf pain, sudden vision loss, or sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop significant new or worsening headaches or other concerning symptoms.
• People over age 35 who smoke cigarettes should not use Apri because smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular problems.

See Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information.

Apri requires a prescription, and your healthcare provider should review your health history before prescribing it. Tell them if you smoke or have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart problems, migraines, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver problems, breast cancer, depression, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Also mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent childbirth, upcoming major surgery, or long periods of limited movement. Share all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements you take so your provider can decide whether Apri is appropriate for you.

Apri is an FDA-approved generic product containing desogestrel 0.15 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg. Desogen has been marketed with the same active ingredients and strength, and Enskyce is another product with the same active ingredients and strength. Inactive ingredients, tablet appearance, packaging, and manufacturer may differ, so check the label on the medication you receive for product-specific information.

What to do depends on how many active pills you missed and where you are in your pack. Missing one pill is handled differently from missing two or more, and backup contraception may be needed in some situations. Follow the missed-pill instructions in the Patient Information that comes with Apri. If you are unsure how to continue, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Vomiting or diarrhea may reduce how reliably an active pill is absorbed and could lower pregnancy protection. The Patient Information recommends temporary backup contraception in this situation until you have checked with a healthcare professional. Continue following your pack unless your provider tells you otherwise, and ask for guidance if vomiting or diarrhea continues.

A missed period does not always mean you are pregnant. However, pregnancy should be considered if you miss a period after not taking Apri correctly. If you miss two periods in a row even though you took your pills as directed, contact your healthcare provider so pregnancy can be ruled out.

Yes. Some medicines and herbal products can reduce pregnancy protection. Examples include certain seizure medicines, rifampin or rifabutin, and St. John’s wort. Some interactions may require backup contraception. Apri can also affect other medicines, including lamotrigine, so tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about everything you take before starting Apri or adding a new medication.

Apri contains estrogen, which may reduce breast milk production. The prescribing information recommends considering another birth control method while breastfeeding when possible. If you are breastfeeding or recently gave birth, tell your healthcare provider before starting Apri so they can help determine which contraceptive option and timing are appropriate for you.

APRI 28 DAY - desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol kit / Source: DailyMed

Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a9e08f9b-9862-4c2c-8302-53dc82d85126 / Published: December 15, 2021