Aviane vs. Nexplanon
See how Aviane and Nexplanon compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Aviane is a daily pill that must be taken at the same time each day, while Nexplanon is a single implant that prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years with no daily action.
Aviane costs far less per month than Nexplanon, but Nexplanon removes the risk of a missed or late dose.
Both drugs are contraindicated in women with a history of blood clots, and a clinician should review personal risk factors before either method is chosen.
Aviane vs. Nexplanon 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 for 28 days, with 21 active tablets followed by 7 inert ones, and the cycle repeats each pack.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a progestin-only contraceptive implant containing etonogestrel, used for long-term pregnancy prevention. A single rod is inserted under the skin of the upper arm by a clinician and provides continuous protection for up to 3 years.
Aviane vs. Nexplanon Side Effects
Aviane
Nexplanon
Aviane vs. Nexplanon Dosage
Aviane
Nexplanon
| 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 | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | 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 |
Nexplanon
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1 implant, 68 mg subdermal | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Aviane vs. Nexplanon Indications
Aviane
Aviane is FDA-approved solely for preventing pregnancy in women who can become pregnant. It is not recommended for women with a BMI over 35 kg/m2, since safety and effectiveness have not been established in that group. Like all combined hormonal contraceptives, it offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive age
Daily oral dosing for continuous cycle control
Lower-estrogen formulation (0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol)
Available as a lower-cost generic of Alesse
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is FDA-approved for long-acting reversible contraception, providing pregnancy prevention for up to 3 years after insertion. It is not intended for use beyond the 3-year window without replacement and is not approved for use in men. Because effectiveness does not rely on daily action, it removes the chance of a missed dose.
Prevention of pregnancy for up to 3 years per implant
No daily, weekly, or monthly action needed
Radiopaque design allows X-ray localization if needed
Requires clinician insertion and removal
Aviane vs. Nexplanon Pros and Cons
Aviane
Aviane offers a low-cost, well-established hormonal option with decades of safety data, but it requires consistent daily use to stay effective. It is not appropriate for smokers over 35 or women with a history of blood clots or breast cancer, given its estrogen component. Generic availability keeps monthly costs relatively low compared with long-acting methods.
Pros
Roughly $30 to $70 per month, far less than Nexplanon
Can be stopped immediately without a clinical procedure
Long track record of use since FDA approval in 1968
Lower-estrogen dosing may reduce estrogen-related effects
Cons
Requires taking a pill at the same time every day
Contraindicated in women over 35 who smoke
Carries estrogen-related clot, stroke, and MI risk
Nexplanon
Nexplanon provides years of contraception from a single insertion, which removes the daily effort Aviane requires, but it carries a much higher monthly cost when averaged over its use, and requires a clinician for both insertion and removal. Its progestin-only formula avoids some estrogen-related risks but often causes unpredictable bleeding changes.
Pros
No daily action needed; protection lasts up to 3 years
Avoids estrogen-related clot and stroke risks
Can be used by women who cannot take estrogen
Effectiveness not affected by a missed dose
Cons
Roughly $1,030 to $1,275 per month for the implant
Requires an in-office procedure for insertion and removal
Irregular bleeding is common and can cause discontinuation
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