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
Depo-Provera
Aviane vs. Depo-Provera Dosage
Aviane
Depo-Provera
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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