Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Aviane
See how Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Aviane compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a triphasic pill that steps hormone doses up across the cycle and is also FDA-approved to treat moderate acne, while Aviane delivers a steady low dose of estrogen and progestin every active day.
Both pills carry the same core boxed warning about blood clots and cardiovascular events in smokers over 35, so neither is appropriate for older smokers.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen's brand name has been discontinued, so patients now use generic versions, while Aviane remains available as a lower-cost generic of Alesse.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Aviane Drug Summary
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a triphasic combination oral contraceptive containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once daily for 21 active days followed by 7 placebo days, with the hormone dose stepping up across three weekly phases. It is FDA-approved both to prevent pregnancy and to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older.
Aviane
Aviane is a combination oral contraceptive containing a fixed low dose of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once daily for 21 active days followed by 7 inert days, with the same hormone dose throughout the active phase. It is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy but is not indicated for acne treatment.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Aviane Side Effects
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Aviane
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Aviane Dosage
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Aviane
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.180 mg/0.035 mg daily | Days 1-7 |
| Maximum dose | Placebo tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every 7 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 |
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.180 mg/0.035 mg daily | Days 1-7 |
| Maximum dose | Placebo tablet daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | Every 7 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 |
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Aviane Indications
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prevents pregnancy through daily use and is also approved to treat moderate acne in females 15 and older who want oral contraception. Its triphasic design steps the hormone dose up over three weekly phases to approximate a more natural hormonal pattern.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Also treats moderate acne in females 15+
Triphasic dosing mimics natural hormone shifts
Not for women over 35 who smoke
Not approved as emergency contraception
Aviane
Aviane prevents pregnancy in females of reproductive potential through daily use of a fixed low-dose combination of estrogen and progestin. Because the hormone dose stays level throughout the active pills, dosing is simpler than a triphasic regimen.
Prevents pregnancy when taken daily
Fixed low-dose estrogen and progestin
Not evaluated for BMI over 35 kg/m2
Does not protect against STIs
Not for women over 35 who smoke
Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Aviane Pros and Cons
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen's triphasic dosing and dual approval for acne set it apart, but the brand itself is no longer sold, so patients rely on generic versions. Coverage and pricing vary depending on which generic a pharmacy stocks.
Pros
Also FDA-approved to treat moderate acne
Triphasic dosing may better mirror natural hormone patterns
Multiple generic versions widely available
Cons
Brand name discontinued, only generics remain
Three-step dosing schedule is more complex to follow
Not recommended for lactating women due to milk supply effects
Aviane
Aviane offers a simple, level daily dose and decades of real-world use as a well-established low-dose option. It is not approved for acne and carries specific contraindications that patients should discuss with their prescriber.
Pros
Simple single-dose schedule throughout active pills
Lower estrogen dose than many triphasic formulations
Long FDA approval history dating back to 1968
Cons
Not approved to treat acne
Contraindicated with current or past breast cancer
Not adequately evaluated for patients with BMI over 35
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