What side effects does Apri (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) cause?
Apri is a combined oral contraceptive (a progestin plus estrogen). Side effects can include both common, expected effects and rarer but more serious risks.
Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, headache, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, and changes in menstrual flow.[1] Some people also report mood changes and weight changes, though the extent varies by individual.[1]
What are the more serious risks patients should watch for?
Apri can increase the risk of blood clots and other serious vascular events, especially in people with risk factors such as smoking, certain clotting disorders, or older age. Serious warning signs include symptoms of a stroke (sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking), symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or jaw), or symptoms of a blood clot in the leg (pain, swelling, warmth in one leg).[1]
Other serious but uncommon concerns linked to combined oral contraceptives can include liver problems and gallbladder disease.[1]
If you develop severe leg pain/swelling, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, or severe sudden headache, seek urgent medical care.[1]
Can Apri cause spotting or irregular bleeding at the start?
Yes. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting is a common early effect when starting combined oral contraceptives. It often improves after the first few cycles as your body adjusts.[1]
When should side effects be reported to a clinician?
Report any persistent or worsening symptoms to a healthcare professional, especially if you have new severe headaches, vision changes, severe abdominal pain, or signs of a blood clot (pain or swelling in a leg, chest pain, or shortness of breath).[1]
Are there interactions or situations that increase risk?
Some medications can reduce contraceptive effectiveness or change hormone levels, and certain conditions increase the risk of complications from combined oral contraceptives.[1] If you take other prescriptions, ask your prescriber or pharmacist how they might affect Apri.
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Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/apri.html