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
Aviane
Microgestin vs. Aviane Dosage
Microgestin
Aviane
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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
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