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

Most common
Headache (no rate given)
Abdominal pain (no rate given)
Nausea (no rate given)
Metrorrhagia (no rate given)

Mirena

Most common
Uterine bleeding (up to 31.9%)
Pelvic pain (up to 22.6%)
Amenorrhea (up to 18.4%)
Headache/migraine (up to 16.3%)

Aviane vs. Mirena 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

Mirena

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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