Switching from Ortho to Apri

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2004
Switching from Ortho to Apri
2
Tue, 03-02-2004 - 3:55pm
I have been spotting (lasting 2-3 days) 1 week before my period for the past 4 months. My doctor's physicians assistant recommend I switch from Ortho-Tricyclen to Apri. I have never heard of Apri. I have been on Ortho for years and did not get any side effects and did not have problems before. Should I start taking them when I usually start my new pack? Do you think that this will mess my cycle up? Is there anyone on Apri? Does anyone know what the problem could be?


Edited 3/2/2004 3:59:38 PM ET by romdonlom
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 03-02-2004 - 4:27pm
Hi and welcome!

Apri is a generic equivalent for Ortho-Cept and Desogen. See http://www4.infotrieve.com/newmedline/detail.asp?NameID=12295619&Session=&searchQuery=Apri&count=57 for a bit more about it.

It might be that the progestin in OTC isn’t controlling your endometrium well enough. When switching pills it’s fairly common to have side effects from the new hormones for the first several cycles. If you want to remain protected then you should begin Apri on your usual start date after the placebo week of your old pills.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2003
Tue, 03-02-2004 - 4:27pm
I was on Apri for years ... it's a generic form of Desogen or Ortho Cept. It has a different combination of hormones than Ortho Tricyclen and I never had any problems when I was on it (I'm now on the patch, which I LOVE) I would imagine you would begin your new pills when you need to start a new pack, but you may want to ask your doctor to be sure. Hope this helps!!