Lutera vs. Aviane

See how Lutera and Aviane compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Lutera and Aviane both contain the same low-dose combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol and work the same way to prevent pregnancy.

  • Both are taken as one active tablet daily for 21 days followed by 7 inert tablets, and neither protects against sexually transmitted infections.

  • The main differences come down to labeling details: Aviane carries an added BMI limitation and breast cancer contraindication that Lutera's label does not specify.

Lutera vs. Aviane Drug Summary

Lutera

Lutera is a combination oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, prescribed to prevent pregnancy. It is taken as one active tablet daily for 21 days, followed by 7 inert tablets to complete the 28-day pack.

Aviane

Aviane is a combination oral contraceptive containing the same active ingredients, levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, prescribed to prevent pregnancy. It is taken as one orange tablet daily for 21 days, followed by 7 inert tablets to complete the 28-day pack.

Lutera vs. Aviane Side Effects

Lutera

Most common
headache (up to 5%)
nausea (up to 5%)
breakthrough bleeding/spotting (up to 30.5%)
breast tenderness (up to 3%)

Aviane

Most common
headache (up to 5%)
nausea (up to 4%)
abdominal pain (up to 4%)
metrorrhagia (up to 3%)

Lutera vs. Aviane Dosage

Lutera

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 1 tablet (0.1mg/0.02mg) Days 1-21
Maximum dose 1 inert tablet daily Days 22-28
Dose changes 1 increase Every 21 days

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

Lutera vs. Aviane Indications

Lutera

Lutera is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in women who choose to use oral contraceptives. Some clinicians also prescribe it off-label to regulate or lighten menstrual periods.

  • Prevention of pregnancy

  • Off-label: menstrual cycle regulation

  • Off-label: lightening of periods

  • Not for use before menarche or as emergency contraception

Aviane

Aviane is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. Its label notes the drug has not been adequately studied in patients with a BMI over 35 kg/m2.

  • Prevention of pregnancy

  • Not adequately evaluated for BMI over 35 kg/m2

  • Not approved for emergency contraception

  • Does not protect against STIs

Lutera vs. Aviane Pros and Cons

Lutera

Lutera is a generic version of Alesse with the same low-dose hormone profile as Aviane. Its label does not list a specific BMI restriction or breast cancer contraindication, though the same general cardiovascular warnings apply.

Pros

  • Also used off-label to regulate or lighten periods

  • No BMI-based limitation noted on the label

  • Newer FDA approval (2001) reflects more recent labeling review

Cons

  • Shorter real-world track record than Aviane's original formulation

  • Breakthrough bleeding reported at a notably higher rate in early cycles

  • Same cardiovascular and clotting risks as any combination pill

Aviane

Aviane has been marketed since 1968, giving it one of the longest track records among low-dose combination pills. Its label includes specific limitations not called out on Lutera's, including a BMI over 35 kg/m2 caution and a breast cancer contraindication.

Pros

  • Decades-long marketing history as a low-dose formulation

  • Well-established generic option for the Alesse formulation

  • Side effect profile well characterized across long-term use

Cons

  • Label specifically advises against use in patients with BMI over 35 kg/m2

  • Explicitly contraindicated with current or past breast cancer

  • Liver enzyme elevation risk flagged with certain hepatitis C treatments

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