Microgestin vs. Aviane

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

Key Takeaways

  • Microgestin and Aviane are both combination birth control pills containing an estrogen and a progestin, taken once daily to prevent pregnancy.

  • Microgestin comes in two dose strengths (1/20 and 1.5/30) with optional iron-supplement placebo tablets, while Aviane uses one low-dose formulation.

  • Both carry the same cardiovascular warnings, including higher clot risk for smokers over 35, so neither is recommended for that group.

Microgestin vs. Aviane Drug Summary

Microgestin

Microgestin is a combination oral contraceptive pairing norethindrone acetate with ethinyl estradiol to prevent pregnancy. It comes in two dose strengths and is taken once daily, as either a 21-day pack or a 28-day pack with iron-supplement placebo tablets.

Aviane

Aviane is a combination oral contraceptive that pairs levonorgestrel with ethinyl estradiol to prevent pregnancy. It uses a single low-dose formulation and is taken once daily from a 28-day pack, with the last seven tablets being inactive.

Microgestin vs. Aviane Side Effects

Microgestin

Most common
headache (up to 6.3%)
nausea (up to 4.6%)
vaginal candidiasis (up to 6.1%)
menstrual cramps (up to 4.4%)

Aviane

Most common
headache (no rate given)
nausea (no rate given)
vaginitis (no rate given)
abdominal pain (no rate given)

Microgestin vs. Aviane Dosage

Microgestin

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 1 mg/20 mcg once daily Days 1-21
Maximum dose 75 mg ferrous fumarate/day Days 22-28
Dose changes 2 increases 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

Microgestin vs. Aviane Indications

Microgestin

Microgestin is FDA-approved solely for preventing pregnancy in women who choose oral contraception. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, so barrier methods are still needed for that purpose.

  • Prevents pregnancy when taken daily as directed

  • Available in 1/20 and 1.5/30 mcg strengths

  • Offered in 21-day and 28-day (Fe) pack options

  • Not indicated for STI or HIV prevention

Aviane

Aviane is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. Like other birth control pills, it does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

  • Prevents pregnancy when taken daily as directed

  • Low-dose levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol formula

  • Packaged as a 28-day cycle with placebo tablets

  • Not indicated for STI or HIV prevention

Microgestin vs. Aviane Pros and Cons

Microgestin

Microgestin has been available since 1968 and offers two dose strengths, plus Fe pack options that include iron during the placebo week. This gives clinicians more dosing flexibility, though it means navigating more formulation choices than Aviane's single low-dose option.

Pros

  • Available in two dose strengths (1/20, 1.5/30)

  • 28-day Fe packs include iron during placebo week

  • Multiple pack options: 21-day, 28-day, Fe, 24 Fe

Cons

  • No low-dose estrogen option like Aviane offers

  • Fe formulations add extra iron tablets some skip

  • Estrogen doses are higher than Aviane's 20mcg

Aviane

Aviane uses a single low-dose formulation designed to minimize estrogen exposure, which may suit patients sensitive to higher-dose pills. As a generic of Alesse, it has a long safety record, though it has not been studied in patients with a BMI above 35.

Pros

  • Single low-dose estrogen formulation (0.02 mg)

  • May cause fewer estrogen-related side effects

  • Available as a low-cost generic of Alesse

Cons

  • Not evaluated for patients with BMI over 35

  • Contraindicated with current or past breast cancer

  • Only one dose strength available, no alternative

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.