Get an Apri (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) prescription online

  • Icon indicating video off

    No video calls necessary

  • Icon of checkmark

    $15 consult—no membership required

  • Icon of clock

    Medical review within 3 hours

Apri is a daily, combination birth control pill. It contains two hormones that help prevent pregnancy: Desogestrel (a progestin) and Ethinyl Estradiol (estrogen). This medication may also help regulate your cycle and treat heavy, painful periods.

Other brand name versions of this medicine include Caziant, Cyred, Cyred EQ, Emoquette, Enskyce, Isibloom, Kalliga, Reclipsen, Velivet and Volnea.

* Prescription treatment requires a virtual medical consultation with a medical provider to determine if a prescription is appropriate.

See what others are saying about Dr. B

4 and a half stars, indicating a rating between 4.3 and 4.7 on Trustpilot4.7
Based on 291 reviews on Trustpilot
Young woman wearing a pink shirt, leaning over a kitchen island, looking and smiling slightly at her phone

How Dr. B treats birth control

1
Health assessment

Tell us about your condition with a $15 online consultation—no video call necessary.

2
Provider review

A medical provider will review your information and prescribe treatment, if appropriate.

3
Get your medication

Pick up and pay for the medication at the pharmacy of your choice. Or, get it delivered.

About Apri (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol)

How does it work?

Apri contains two hormones: Desogestrel (a progestin) and Ethinyl Estradiol (estrogen). These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy in several ways:

  • Stop eggs from being released by the ovaries
  • Thicken cervical mucus so it’s harder for sperm to reach the egg
  • Thin the lining of the uterus, which prevents an egg from implanting

What symptoms or conditions can it help manage?

  • Irregular cycles
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Painful periods
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms
  • Hormonal acne
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) hormonal imbalances
  • Endometriosis pain and inflammation
  • Ovarian cysts

What forms does it come in?

This medicine comes as a pill that you take by mouth. Apri is a monophasic birth control pill, which means all the active pills in the pack contain the same level of hormones. Each pack contains 21 “active” pills (contain hormones) and 7 “inactive” pills (no hormones).

Apri vs. Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol

Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol are the active ingredients in Apri. These are the hormones that actually prevent pregnancy. Different brands of Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol may have slightly different packaging or hormone levels. But each version works the same way to prevent pregnancy.

How much will it cost?

Dr. B offers online consultations for $15—which is less than most copays. If a birth control prescription is appropriate, your out-of-pocket medication cost will depend on your insurance and where you decide to get your prescription filled. With a drug discount card, prices for Apri (3 28-tablet blister packs) start at $13.20.

* Prices shown with drug discount card applied. Price may differ depending on location.

Dr. B logo
$15
Online visit with Dr. B
+
Starting at

Apri (3 28-tablet blister packs)*

More Birth Control Prescriptions

Looking for a different medication? Here are some options.

Common Questions

Apri (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) prescription FAQ

What are the benefits of taking Apri (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol)?
  • Prevents pregnancy
  • Highly effective (99% prevention rate when used correctly)
  • Regulates menstrual cycles
  • Reduces heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Helps protect against anemia
  • Eases menstrual cramps
  • Improves acne
  • Treats polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms
  • Reduces excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism)
  • Treats endometriosis and uterine fibroids
  • Lowers the risk of ovarian, endometrial and uterine cancer
  • Reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cyst formation
  • Lowers the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Who should not take this medication?
  • People with allergies to Apri or its ingredients
  • People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • People who get severe migraines
  • Those who have had the following conditions:

    • A stroke, heart attack or other heart problems
    • Blood clots
    • Uterine/uterus/cervix, breast, vaginal or other hormone-related cancer
    • Diabetes
  • People with high blood pressure
  • Those who have undiagnosed vaginal or uterine bleeding
  • People with liver problems
  • Those taking certain hepatitis C medications
  • Smokers over 35 years old

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history and any medications you take before starting this birth control prescription. Also let your medical provider know if you smoke.

How do you take this medication?

Take 1 pill by mouth every day, at the same time, for 28 days. After 28 days, start a new pack (even if you are still bleeding).

What happens if I miss a dose?

It is important to take Apri at the same time every day. If you don’t take it at the same time every day, or if you miss a dose, you could get pregnant.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Use a backup contraceptive method, like condoms, for the next 7 days. If you miss more than two pills, follow the package instructions or consult your licensed provider for guidance.

What happens if I take too much?

If you take too much Apri, it can lead to nausea, vomiting and unusual vaginal bleeding. Always follow your licensed provider's instructions.

If you’ve taken too much of your birth control prescription, call your medical provider or local poison control center (800-222-1222) immediately.

Can I get Apri (Desogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol) online?

Need a convenient birth control prescription? You’ve come to the right place. Just fill out a short questionnaire about your medical history to get birth control online.

Medically reviewed

To help you stay safe

“Our most valuable asset is our health. Whether you're a billionaire CEO or a single mom of multiple children—whatever your situation is—you can't do that without your health.”

Dr. Sudip Bose
Dr. Sudip Bose, M.D.Primary Care advisor

Featured On

The New York Times logo
Axios logo
TIME logo
Bloomberg logo
Fast Company logo
ABC logo

Side Effects

Young woman lying in bed, smiling towards her sun-filled window with a hand over her head

Some people have side effects while using this medicine, especially during the first few months. These often get better as your body gets used to the medicine. The most common side effects are:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Spotting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headache
  • Changes in weight

Be alert to signs of a more serious side effect like, stroke or heart attack, headaches that are new or worse than usual, blood clots or blurred vision. If you have any concerning symptoms, get emergency help or let your health provider know right away.

Dr. B articles about birth control