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
Aviane
Lutera vs. Aviane Dosage
Lutera
Aviane
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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