Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Aviane
See how Lo Loestrin Fe and Aviane compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Lo Loestrin Fe contains the lowest estrogen dose (10 mcg) of any FDA-approved oral contraceptive, while Aviane uses a higher 20 mcg dose.
Both pills carry the same boxed warning about smoking and cardiovascular risk in women over 35, plus a higher risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
Aviane has been on the market since 1968 and is available as a lower-cost generic, while Lo Loestrin Fe is newer and generally costs more.
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Aviane Drug Summary
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe is a combination oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, and iron, taken once daily from a 28-day pack. It prevents pregnancy and is sometimes used off-label to help manage acne or other hormonal symptoms.
Aviane
Aviane is a combination oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily from a 28-day pack. It is approved only to prevent pregnancy and has been used since 1968.
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Aviane Side Effects
Lo Loestrin Fe
Aviane
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Aviane Dosage
Lo Loestrin Fe
Aviane
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/10 mcg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate daily | Days 27-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| 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 |
Lo Loestrin Fe
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/10 mcg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate daily | Days 27-28 |
| 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 |
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Aviane Indications
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose an oral contraceptive. Some clinicians also prescribe it off-label to help manage acne or other hormone-related symptoms, though this is not an FDA-approved use.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily as directed
Off-label use for acne or hormonal symptom management
Not approved for protection against HIV or other STIs
Includes iron tablets on the last two days of each pack
Aviane
Aviane is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. It has not been adequately studied in people with a BMI over 35, so its effectiveness in that group is unclear.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily as directed
Not approved for use in people with BMI over 35
Not approved for protection against HIV or other STIs
Contains one week of inert (placebo) tablets each cycle
Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Aviane Pros and Cons
Lo Loestrin Fe
Lo Loestrin Fe delivers the lowest estrogen dose among approved birth control pills, which may appeal to people sensitive to estrogen side effects. As a newer, brand-focused product, it tends to cost more out of pocket than older generic options.
Pros
Lowest estrogen dose (10 mcg) of any FDA-approved oral contraceptive
Built-in iron tablets during the placebo days to offset menstrual iron loss
Sometimes used off-label to help manage acne
Cons
Typically costs more: roughly $171 to $1,017 per month without insurance
Fewer inactive/placebo days, which some find less familiar than a full week off
Less generic availability than older, established pills
Aviane
Aviane has been prescribed since 1968 and is widely available as an affordable generic option for many patients. It uses a higher estrogen dose than Lo Loestrin Fe, which some people may tolerate less well, but its long history means more real-world safety data exists.
Pros
Long track record of use dating back over five decades
Widely available as a lower-cost generic of Alesse
Typically costs less: roughly $30 to $70 per month without insurance
Cons
Higher estrogen dose (20 mcg) than Lo Loestrin Fe's 10 mcg
Not adequately evaluated in people with BMI over 35
Contraindicated in those with a current or past history of breast cancer
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