Aviane vs. Depo-Provera

See how Aviane and Depo-Provera compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Aviane is a pill taken once a day, while Depo-Provera is a shot given by a provider once every three months.

  • Depo-Provera carries a boxed warning for bone density loss with long-term use, while Aviane carries a boxed warning about smoking and cardiovascular risk.

  • Aviane's most common effects are headache, abdominal pain, and nausea, while Depo-Provera is more associated with irregular bleeding and weight gain.

Aviane vs. Depo-Provera Drug Summary

Aviane

Aviane is a combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It prevents pregnancy and is taken as one tablet daily in a 28-day pack, with active tablets for three weeks followed by a week of inactive ones.

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate. It prevents pregnancy and is given as an intramuscular injection once every three months, with no daily pill required.

Aviane vs. Depo-Provera Side Effects

Aviane

Most common
abdominal pain (not specified)
headache (not specified)
nausea (not specified)
metrorrhagia (not specified)

Depo-Provera

Most common
abdominal pain (up to 11%)
headache (up to 17%)
menstrual changes (up to 57%)
weight gain (up to 38%)

Aviane vs. Depo-Provera Dosage

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

Depo-Provera

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 150 mg intramuscular At the start
Maximum dose 150 mg intramuscular Same as starting
Dose changes None Fixed dose

Aviane vs. Depo-Provera Indications

Aviane

Aviane is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in people who can become pregnant. It combines two hormones to stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, and it has not been adequately studied in people with a BMI above 35.

  • Prevents pregnancy in people of reproductive age

  • Not evaluated for use with BMI over 35 kg/m2

  • Does not protect against HIV or other STIs

  • Taken as one tablet daily, 28-day cycle

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy through a progestin-only injection. It works by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, and it is not recommended before a person has started menstruating.

  • Prevents pregnancy via injection every 3 months

  • Not recommended for continuous use over 2 years

  • Not indicated before the start of menstruation

  • Does not protect against HIV or other STIs

Aviane vs. Depo-Provera Pros and Cons

Aviane

Aviane offers predictable daily dosing and can be stopped at any time, with fertility typically returning right away. As a combined hormone pill, it carries a higher clotting risk than progestin-only methods, particularly for smokers over 35.

Pros

  • Once-daily tablet instead of an injection

  • Fertility typically returns quickly after stopping

  • No boxed warning for bone density loss

  • Available as a lower-cost generic tablet

Cons

  • Requires remembering a pill at the same time daily

  • Higher clot and cardiovascular risk than progestin-only options

  • Contraindicated in women over 35 who smoke

  • Not studied for use with a BMI over 35 kg/m2

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera offers long-acting protection with only four injections a year and no daily routine to maintain. As a progestin-only injection, it carries a boxed warning for bone density loss and a slower return to fertility after stopping.

Pros

  • Only requires an injection once every 3 months

  • No daily pill to remember

  • Lower clot risk than combined hormone pills

  • An option for people who cannot take estrogen

Cons

  • Boxed warning for bone density loss with long-term use

  • Weight gain reported in up to 38% of users

  • Fertility may take longer to return after stopping

  • Not recommended for continuous use beyond 2 years

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