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

Most common
headache (up to 15%)
abdominal pain (up to 10%)
vaginal infection (up to 8%)
breast tenderness (up to 6%)

Aviane

Most common
headache (up to 15%)
abdominal pain (up to 10%)
vaginal infection (up to 8%)
nausea (up to 7%)

Ortho Tri-Cyclen vs. Aviane Dosage

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

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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