Apri vs. Aviane
See how Apri and Aviane compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Apri contains desogestrel while Aviane contains levonorgestrel, two different progestins with different tolerability profiles.
Both pills are taken once daily in a 28-day pack with 21 active tablets and 7 inert tablets to prevent pregnancy.
Aviane has decades more real-world use since its 1968 approval, while Apri's desogestrel component has minimal androgenic activity.
Apri vs. Aviane Drug Summary
Apri
Apri is a combination oral contraceptive containing desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once daily in a 28-day pack, with 21 active tablets followed by 7 inert tablets, to prevent pregnancy.
Aviane
Aviane is a combination oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once daily in a 28-day pack, with 21 active orange tablets followed by 7 inert tablets, to prevent pregnancy.
Apri vs. Aviane Side Effects
Apri
Aviane
Apri vs. Aviane Dosage
Apri
Aviane
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | Days 1-28 |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 orange tablet daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 1 inert tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Apri
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 tablet once daily | Days 1-28 |
| Maximum dose | 1 tablet once daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Aviane
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 orange tablet daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 1 inert tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Apri vs. Aviane Indications
Apri
Apri is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose an oral contraceptive. It combines desogestrel, a progestin with minimal androgenic activity, with ethinyl estradiol to suppress ovulation.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Does not protect against HIV or other STIs
Generic equivalent of Ortho-Cept
FDA approved since 1999
Aviane
Aviane is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. It combines levonorgestrel, a well-studied progestin, with a low dose of ethinyl estradiol to suppress ovulation.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Does not protect against HIV or other STIs
Generic equivalent of Alesse
Not evaluated in patients with BMI over 35
Apri vs. Aviane Pros and Cons
Apri
Apri's desogestrel component has minimal androgenic activity, which some patients tolerate better for skin and hair effects than older progestins. Like all combination pills, it carries warnings about clot risk, especially for smokers over 35.
Pros
Desogestrel has minimal androgenic activity
Generic equivalent of Ortho-Cept, widely available
Single daily dosing simplifies routine
Cons
Some studies link desogestrel to slightly higher VTE risk
Less long-term real-world safety data than Aviane
No BMI-specific efficacy data noted in labeling
Aviane
Aviane's levonorgestrel formulation has decades of established use since its 1968 approval, giving prescribers a long safety track record. It carries the same combination-pill warnings about clot risk, particularly for smokers over 35.
Pros
Decades of real-world safety data since 1968
Lower-dose estrogen formulation reduces exposure
Generic equivalent of Alesse, widely available
Cons
Not adequately studied in patients with BMI over 35
Added liver enzyme warning with hepatitis C antivirals
Levonorgestrel's higher androgenic activity may worsen acne
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