What Is Apri 28 Day?

Apri 28 Day is a combined oral contraceptive (birth control pill) that contains two synthetic hormones: desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It is FDA-approved for the prevention of pregnancy.

Apri is also commonly prescribed off-label for managing acne, regulating irregular menstrual cycles, reducing menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), and helping with symptoms of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Each 28-day pack includes 21 active hormone tablets and 7 placebo tablets. You take one pill daily at the same time and start a new pack immediately after finishing the current one.

How does Apri 28 Day work?

Apri works through a three-pronged mechanism:

• Suppresses ovulation — The combination of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol inhibits the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the pituitary gland, preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg.
• Thickens cervical mucus — The progestin component makes cervical mucus thicker and more difficult for sperm to penetrate, creating an additional barrier to fertilization.
• Alters the endometrial lining — Changes to the uterine lining reduce the likelihood of implantation should fertilization occur.

When taken correctly (one tablet daily at the same time), Apri is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

What doses are available for Apri 28 Day?

• Apri 28 Day Pack — 21 active rose-colored tablets (desogestrel 0.15 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg) plus 7 white inactive (placebo) tablets

Apri is a monophasic oral contraceptive, meaning each active tablet contains the same dose of hormones. There is only one strength available in the standard 28-day blister pack configuration.

How hard is it to find Apri 28 Day in stock?

Apri 28 Day (desogestrel 0.15 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg) is a generic combined oral contraceptive manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. As of early 2026, there is no active FDA-reported shortage for Apri or its equivalent desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol products. However, oral contraceptives as a category have experienced intermittent supply disruptions at the pharmacy level since 2022, driven by increased demand following the Dobbs decision, manufacturing consolidation, and raw material supply chain issues.

If your pharmacy is temporarily out of stock, ask your pharmacist about therapeutically equivalent alternatives such as Reclipsen, Enskyce, or Emoquette — all contain the same active ingredients. You can also use Medfinder to locate pharmacies near you with Apri 28 Day in stock.

Who Can Prescribe Apri 28 Day?

Apri 28 Day can be prescribed by a variety of healthcare providers:

• OB/GYN (Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
• Family Medicine physicians
• Internal Medicine physicians
• Adolescent Medicine specialists
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
• Physician Assistants (PAs)

Apri is also available through telehealth services, making it easy to get a prescription without an in-person visit. Many online platforms can prescribe and ship oral contraceptives directly to your door.

Is Apri 28 Day a controlled substance?

No. Apri 28 Day is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription-only medication but does not carry the prescribing restrictions associated with controlled substances. There are no special ID requirements or refill limitations — your pharmacy can process refills in the standard manner.

Common Side Effects of Apri 28 Day

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• Bloating
• Weight changes
• Mood changes
• Decreased libido
• Dizziness

Serious side effects are rare but may include blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), stroke, heart attack, liver problems, and gallbladder disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe leg pain, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe headache, or vision changes.

⚠️ Boxed Warning: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and heavy smoking (15+ cigarettes/day) and is especially significant in women over 35. Women using Apri should not smoke.

Alternative Medications to Apri 28 Day

If Apri 28 Day is unavailable or not the right fit, several alternatives contain the same or similar active ingredients:

• Reclipsen — Same active ingredients (desogestrel 0.15 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg), different manufacturer. A direct equivalent to Apri.
• Enskyce — Another branded generic with an identical formulation to Apri.
• Emoquette, Solia, Isibloom, Juleber, Cyred — Additional branded generics with the same desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol formulation.
• Desogen / Ortho-Cept — Brand-name versions of the same active ingredients.
• Sprintec — Uses a different progestin (norgestimate 0.25 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg); one of the most commonly prescribed oral contraceptives in the U.S.
• Junel FE 1.5/30 — Contains norethindrone acetate 1.5 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg plus iron; another popular monophasic oral contraceptive.

Always consult your prescriber before switching oral contraceptives, as different formulations may affect you differently.

Drug Interactions with Apri 28 Day

Several medications and supplements can reduce the effectiveness of Apri 28 Day, potentially leading to unintended pregnancy:

• Anticonvulsants — Phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, topiramate, felbamate, and oxcarbazepine can decrease hormone levels.
• Rifampin / Rifabutin — Significantly reduce contraceptive effectiveness; use an alternative or backup method.
• St. John's Wort — This herbal supplement reduces oral contraceptive effectiveness and should be avoided.
• HIV protease inhibitors and NNRTIs — May alter hormone levels; consult your prescriber.
• Hepatitis C antivirals (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir) — Risk of elevated liver enzymes (ALT); contraindicated with Apri.
• Barbiturates and Griseofulvin — May reduce contraceptive effectiveness.

Other notable interactions:

• Lamotrigine — Oral contraceptives may decrease Lamotrigine levels, potentially affecting seizure control. Dose adjustments may be needed.
• Grapefruit juice — May increase estrogen levels; consume in moderation.

Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you take before starting Apri 28 Day.

Final Thoughts on Apri 28 Day

Apri 28 Day is a well-established, affordable generic oral contraceptive that has been on the market for years. With most insurance plans covering it at $0 copay under the ACA contraceptive mandate, and cash prices as low as $10–$21 with discount cards, cost is rarely a barrier. While there is no active FDA shortage, intermittent pharmacy-level stock issues can occur — if your local pharmacy is out, identical alternatives like Reclipsen and Enskyce are widely available.

If you're having trouble finding Apri 28 Day in stock, use Medfinder to search pharmacies near you or explore telehealth options for convenient prescription and delivery.