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
Aviane
Yaz vs. Aviane Dosage
Yaz
Aviane
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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