Consumer information: APRI®

What is APRI® Used For?

• APRI® is used for preventing pregnancy.
• It is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains two hormones: desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen).

How Does APRI® Work?

• Prevents ovulation: Inhibits the release of an egg from the ovary during the menstrual cycle.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix to reach the egg.
• Alters the uterine lining: Makes implantation of a fertilized egg less likely.

Effectiveness of APRI®:

• Perfect use: APRI® is more than 99% effective when taken as directed.
• Typical use: Effectiveness may be slightly reduced due to missed or late pills.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For STI protection, use condoms in combination with APRI®.

Who Should Not Use APRI®:

• Women who are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
• Those with a history of or current blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
• Women with liver disease, liver tumors, or severe high blood pressure.
• Individuals with a history of or active breast cancer or estrogen-dependent cancers.
• Women experiencing undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
• Women who are over 35 years old and smoke, as this increases the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
• Blood clots, stroke, and heart attack risks are elevated in women with risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, or diabetes.
• Women using certain Hepatitis C medications (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir) must not use APRI® as it can cause elevated liver enzyme levels.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects include:
• Nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
• Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.
• Breast tenderness or enlargement.
• Weight changes and mood swings.
• Serious side effects (less common) include:
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
• Stroke or heart attack.
• Liver tumors.
• High blood pressure.

When to Start APRI®:

1. Starting after a period:

• Start APRI® on Day 1 of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). No backup contraception is needed.
• If starting on Day 2-7, use backup contraception (e.g., condoms) for the first 7 days.

1. After childbirth:

• For non-breastfeeding women, APRI® should be started 21-28 days after delivery.
• Use backup contraception for the first 7 days.

1. After miscarriage or abortion:

• You can start APRI® immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion. No backup contraception is required.

Missed Pills:

1. If you miss one pill:

• Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
• Take the next pill at the usual time (you may take two pills in one day).
• No backup contraception is needed.

1. If you miss two or more pills:

• Take two pills the day you remember and two pills the next day.
• Use backup contraception for the next 7 days.
• If you miss two or more pills in Week 3, you may need to start a new pack immediately.

What to Do if You Vomit or Have Diarrhea:

• If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within 4 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
• Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Storage Information:

• Store APRI® between 15°C and 30°C and keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture.