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Reviewed on June 04, 2025. by
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Next review due on June 04, 2028.
Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.
Biphasic birth control pill with lighter hormone changes.
Kariva is a combined pill that delivers two phases of hormones, to mimic your natural cycle. It’s a good option if you’re sensitive to standard pills or want to reduce your side effects.
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Kariva is a biphasic birth control pill. It combines two hormones: desogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen). These hormones mimic the naturally occurring estrogen and progesterone in your body to prevent pregnancy.
Each pack contains 28 pills: 21 white active pills with full-dose hormones, 2 green inactive pills, and 5 blue pills with a lower estrogen dose. It’s over 99% effective when taken correctly.
How does Kariva work?
Kariva prevents pregnancy in three ways. It stops ovulation, so no egg is released, thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, and thins the uterine lining so a fertilized egg can’t implant.
Together, these actions make it very unlikely that pregnancy will occur.
What doses of Kariva are there?
There’s only one dose of Kariva available. Each cycle contains 28 pills, which you must take in order:
21 white pills with 0.15mg desogestrel + 0.02mg ethinyl estradiol
2 green placebo pills (no hormones)
5 blue pills with 0.01mg ethinyl estradiol
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on June 04, 2025. Next review due on June 04, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
KarivaDesogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
How to take Kariva
Take one pill every day at the same time. Swallow it whole with water. Don’t leave days between packs, start your next one as soon as you finish your current one.
Start Kariva on the first day of your period for immediate protection. If you start on the Sunday after your period begins, use condoms or another non-hormonal backup for the first 7 days.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Kariva?
If you miss a white pill, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next pill at the usual time (even if that means taking two in one day).
If you miss two white pills in week 1 or 2, take two as soon as you remember, then two the next day. Use condoms for 7 days.
If you miss two white pills in week 3, or three or more in a row at any time, do the following:
If you’re a Sunday starter, take one pill per day until Sunday, then start a new pack.
If you started on day 1 of your period, discard your current pack and start a new one right away.
Always use backup contraception for 7 days.
Taking too much Kariva isn’t usually harmful, but you might feel nauseous or get spotting. If you’re worried, talk to a doctor.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on June 04, 2025. Next review due on June 04, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
KarivaDesogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
There are some things you need to watch out for when taking Kariva, and not everyone can use it.
Here’s the official safety info. If there’s something you’re not sure about, let us know.
KarivaDesogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
Kariva: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How long does it take Kariva to work?
Answer:
If you start Kariva on the first day of your period, it will prevent pregnancy immediately. However, you'll need to use backup to birth control if you wait to start the Sunday after your period.
Can I get Kariva through private health insurance?
Answer:
Most private health plans in the U.S. cover birth control like Kariva, but coverage can vary. Check your plan details to confirm your coverage and provider before ordering your treatment.
If your insurance doesn’t cover it, you can still buy Kariva from online pharmacies and other healthcare providers.
How is Kariva different from other birth control pills?
Answer:
Kariva is a biphasic birth control, meaning the hormone levels change during the cycle. This mimics your body’s natural cycle, so uncomfortable side effects like vaginal dryness, larger appetite, weight gain, and others are less common with Kariva than other hormonal birth control options.
Is Kariva similar to any other birth control pills?
Answer:
Kariva and Mircette are the same, but are made by different companies. They share the same cycle and same amount of hormones. Similar biphasic birth control options include Azurette, Bekyree, Kimidess, Pimtrea, Viorele, and Volnea.
Monophasic birth control options that contain the same hormones as Kariva include Apri, Isibloom, and Enskyce.
How effective is Kariva?
Answer:
Hormonal birth control medications like Kariva are almost 100% effective.[1] Missing doses of Kariva can make it less effective and increase your risk of pregnancy. Use backup birth control if you forget to take Kariva as directed by your healthcare provider.
Do I need a prescription for Kariva?
Answer:
Yes, you will need a prescription for Kariva.It may increase your risk of blood clots, heart attack, and other conditions. As a result, a doctor will monitor you to make sure Kariva is safe for you to take.
Treated trusted source:
Brynhildsen, J. (2014).Combined hormonal contraceptives: prescribing patterns, compliance, and benefits versus risks. Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, 5(5), pp.201–213.
Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Why this page was updated on Jun 30, 2025
We reviewed the content on this page and made some structural changes to make it more reader-friendly and accessible.
Current version (Jun 30, 2025)
Edited by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Aug 01, 2022
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Cristina writes content for Treated, and reviews content produced by our other writers to make sure it’s clinically accurate.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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