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

Most common
Headache
Nausea
Weight change
Breast tenderness

Aviane

Most common
Headache
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Metrorrhagia

Apri vs. Aviane Dosage

Apri

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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