Aviane vs. NuvaRing
See how Aviane and NuvaRing compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Aviane is a daily pill, while NuvaRing is a vaginal ring that only needs to be changed once a month.
Both carry a boxed warning about increased cardiovascular risk in smokers over 35 years old.
Aviane typically costs far less out of pocket than NuvaRing, which can run several hundred dollars a month without insurance.
Aviane vs. NuvaRing Drug Summary
Aviane
Aviane is a combined oral contraceptive containing low-dose levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It prevents pregnancy and is taken as one tablet daily for 28 days, with 21 active pills followed by 7 inactive ones.
NuvaRing
NuvaRing is a combination hormonal contraceptive delivered through a small vaginal ring containing etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It stays in place for three weeks to prevent pregnancy, then comes out for a one-week ring-free interval before the next ring is inserted.
Aviane vs. NuvaRing Side Effects
Aviane
NuvaRing
Aviane vs. NuvaRing Dosage
Aviane
NuvaRing
| 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 ring vaginally | Weeks 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | ring-free interval | Week 4 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 3 weeks |
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 |
NuvaRing
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 ring vaginally | Weeks 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | ring-free interval | Week 4 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 3 weeks |
Aviane vs. NuvaRing Indications
Aviane
Aviane is FDA-approved solely to prevent pregnancy in people who can become pregnant. It has not been specifically studied in people with a BMI over 35 kg/m2. Like other combined pills, it does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Not evaluated for use in BMI over 35 kg/m2
Does not protect against HIV or STIs
Available as a lower-cost generic option
NuvaRing
NuvaRing is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose a vaginal ring method of birth control. It is not approved for emergency contraception and should not be used by women over 35 who smoke. Like other combined hormonal contraceptives, it does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Prevents pregnancy with once-monthly insertion
Not approved for emergency contraception
Not for women over 35 who smoke
Does not protect against HIV or STIs
Aviane vs. NuvaRing Pros and Cons
Aviane
Aviane is a well-established low-dose pill with decades of clinical use and a lower typical price than many contraceptive rings. It requires daily attention to stay effective and, like other estrogen-containing methods, carries clotting risks that rise with smoking and age.
Pros
Lower typical monthly cost, roughly $30 to $70 without insurance
Long-standing safety track record since FDA approval in 1968
Low-dose formulation limits estrogen exposure
Cons
Must be taken at the same time every day
Missed doses lower contraceptive effectiveness
Not evaluated for use in people with BMI over 35 kg/m2
NuvaRing
NuvaRing offers once-monthly dosing instead of a daily pill, which some people find easier to stick with. It costs substantially more out of pocket than low-dose pills like Aviane, and some users experience ring-related issues such as discomfort or discharge.
Pros
Only needs to be changed once a month
No daily pill-taking required
Generic versions are available
Cons
Higher typical monthly cost, roughly $200 to $584 without insurance
Device-related issues such as discomfort or expulsion
Requires comfort with vaginal insertion and removal
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