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

Most common
Headache (up to 7%)
Nausea/vomiting (up to 7%)
Bleeding irregularities (up to 5%)
Dysmenorrhea (up to 4%)

Aviane

Most common
Headache (rate not specified in labeling)
Nausea (rate not specified in labeling)
Abdominal pain (rate not specified in labeling)
Metrorrhagia (rate not specified in labeling)

Lo Loestrin Fe vs. Aviane Dosage

Lo Loestrin Fe

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

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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