Aviane vs. Mirena
See how Aviane and Mirena compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Aviane is a daily oral pill you take yourself, while Mirena is a hormonal IUD a clinician places once and that works for up to 8 years.
Mirena is also FDA-approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years, a use Aviane does not have.
Aviane costs less per month out of pocket, but Mirena has a high one-time device cost that covers years of protection.
Aviane vs. Mirena Drug Summary
Aviane
Aviane is a combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, used to prevent pregnancy. It is taken as one tablet daily in a 28-day pack, with 21 active hormone tablets followed by 7 inert ones.
Mirena
Mirena is a progestin-releasing intrauterine system containing levonorgestrel, used to prevent pregnancy and to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. A clinician places it in the uterus, where it releases hormone locally and can stay in place for up to 8 years.
Aviane vs. Mirena Side Effects
Aviane
Mirena
Aviane vs. Mirena Dosage
Aviane
Mirena
| 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 | ~21 mcg/day LNG release | Day 24 |
| Maximum dose | ~7 mcg/day LNG release | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
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 |
Mirena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | ~21 mcg/day LNG release | Day 24 |
| Maximum dose | ~7 mcg/day LNG release | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Aviane vs. Mirena Indications
Aviane
Aviane is approved to prevent pregnancy in people who can become pregnant. It works by combining an estrogen and a progestin to stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus.
Prevents pregnancy
Taken once daily, same time each day
28-day pack with 21 active and 7 inert pills
Does not protect against HIV or other STIs
Mirena
Mirena is approved to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years and to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years in people choosing an IUD for contraception. It releases a steady low dose of levonorgestrel directly into the uterus.
Prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years
Treats heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years
Placed and removed by a clinician
Does not protect against HIV or other STIs
Aviane vs. Mirena Pros and Cons
Aviane
Aviane suits people who prefer a pill they control day to day and want a lower upfront cost. It requires consistent daily use and carries the cardiovascular warnings typical of estrogen-containing pills.
Pros
Can be started or stopped without a procedure
Roughly $30 to $70 per month, far lower upfront cost than an IUD
Low-dose estrogen formulation
Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
Must be taken at the same time every day to work well
Boxed warning for smokers over 35 due to cardiovascular risk
Carries a higher risk of blood clots than a hormonal IUD
Does not treat heavy menstrual bleeding
Mirena
Mirena suits people who want years of protection without daily effort and who may also need help with heavy periods. It requires an in-office placement and removal, and has an upfront device cost.
Pros
Works for up to 8 years with no daily dosing
Also treats heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years
Hormone acts mainly in the uterus, not throughout the body
No adherence needed once placed
Cons
Requires a clinician visit for insertion and removal
One-time device cost of roughly $900 to $1,725
Small risk of uterine perforation or device expulsion
Any pregnancy that occurs with it in place is more likely ectopic
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