Yaz vs. Aviane

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

Key Takeaways

  • Yaz is FDA-approved to treat PMDD and moderate acne in addition to preventing pregnancy, while Aviane is approved only for pregnancy prevention.

  • Both are once-daily combination pills, but Yaz contains drospirenone, which can raise potassium levels and is contraindicated in kidney, liver, or adrenal disease.

  • Aviane has been available since 1968 and typically costs much less per month than Yaz, which was approved more recently in 2001.

Yaz vs. Aviane Drug Summary

Yaz

Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once daily and is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy, treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and treat moderate acne in women who also want birth control.

Aviane

Aviane is a combination oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It is taken once daily in a 28-day pack and is FDA-approved only to prevent pregnancy. It uses a low-dose formulation that has been available since 1968, including as a generic option.

Yaz vs. Aviane Side Effects

Yaz

Most common
Headache/migraine (up to 6.7%)
Menstrual irregularities (up to 4.7%)
Nausea/vomiting (up to 4.2%)
Breast pain/tenderness (up to 4.0%)

Aviane

Most common
Headache (common)
Nausea (common)
Abdominal pain (common)
Metrorrhagia (common)

Yaz vs. Aviane Dosage

Yaz

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily Days 1-24
Maximum dose Inert tablet once daily Days 25-28
Dose changes 1 increase Every 24 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

Yaz vs. Aviane Indications

Yaz

Yaz prevents pregnancy by combining estrogen with the progestin drospirenone to suppress ovulation. It is also FDA-approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne in women who choose it for contraception, giving it uses beyond birth control alone.

  • Prevents pregnancy

  • Treats premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

  • Treats moderate acne in women 14 and older

  • Combines estrogen with drospirenone

Aviane

Aviane prevents pregnancy by combining estrogen with the progestin levonorgestrel to suppress ovulation. It carries only the pregnancy-prevention indication, with no additional FDA-approved uses for PMDD or acne. It has not been adequately studied in women with a BMI above 35.

  • Prevents pregnancy

  • Low-dose estrogen formulation

  • Available as a lower-cost generic

  • Not studied in BMI over 35 kg/m2

Yaz vs. Aviane Pros and Cons

Yaz

Yaz offers added value for women who also want treatment for PMDD or acne, since it carries both indications. Its drospirenone component can raise potassium levels, so it is not an option for women with kidney, liver, or adrenal disease. It also tends to cost more out of pocket than older generic pills.

Pros

  • FDA-approved to treat PMDD

  • FDA-approved to treat moderate acne

  • Drospirenone may reduce bloating and fluid retention

Cons

  • Contraindicated in kidney, liver, or adrenal disease

  • May require potassium monitoring with certain drugs

  • Roughly $112 to $226 per month without insurance

Aviane

Aviane is a straightforward option for pregnancy prevention alone, backed by decades of use and a lower-dose estrogen formulation. It does not carry the potassium risk that comes with drospirenone-containing pills like Yaz. It is also available at a much lower price than Yaz.

Pros

  • Roughly $30 to $70 per month without insurance

  • Long track record since its 1968 approval

  • Lower-dose estrogen may reduce estrogen-related side effects

Cons

  • No FDA-approved use for PMDD

  • No FDA-approved use for acne

  • Not evaluated in women with BMI above 35 kg/m2

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