Aviane Birth Control

Aviane birth control is a hormonal contraceptive that gives women a chance to control their cycles to prevent getting pregnant until they plan on it. Find out if Aviane is right for you.

How Aviane Birth Control Works

Aviane is a combination birth control pill. It contains the ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, two forms of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Used primarily to prevent pregnancy, the hormones work by:

Preventing ovulation
Thickening of cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach egg
Preventing an egg from attaching to the uterus

To use Aviane, begin taking the pills on the Sunday after you start your period. Continue with them for 21 days, and then take the placebo pills. You should get your period at this time. If you do not, there is a chance you may be pregnant and you should take a pregnancy test. Begin your new pack after finishing the placebo pills.

When starting birth control pills, it is always recommended to use a back-up form of birth control the first week.

Missed Doses

In order for Aviane to work properly, you should take it at the same time everyday. However, forgetting to take one pill does not mean you have to toss your entire pack. Read on to find out instructions for missed doses.

One Missed Dose

If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember. Or, you can take it with your next scheduled dose. You may want to use a second form of birth control for the next seven days for added protection.

Two Missed Doses

Take the missed pills as soon as you remember, or with your next dose. You could also take one pill with the next scheduled dose, and the second pill with the following dose. Use another form of birth control for at least seven days following the missed doses, and possibly for the rest of your cycle.

Three or More Missed Doses

If you forget three or more pills, you should throw away your pill pack and wait seven days to start a new one. Use another form of birth control until you have taken the new pack for seven days. If you did not get your period during the week where no pills were taken, be sure to take a pregnancy test before starting the new pack.

Warnings and Precautions

If you smoke, do not take Aviane birth control. Smoking may increase the chances of blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. Birth control pills do not prevent any sexually transmitted diseases. Use a condom to prevent transmission. Breastfeeding women should speak with their doctors before taking Aviane. It may cause a decrease in milk production and pass through milk to baby.

Medications for certain conditions can case unwanted side effects or decrease the effectiveness of Aviane birth control. Tell your doctor about any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.

Not Right for Everyone

Although birth control pills are generally safe, they are not a good choice for everyone. Pregnant women, naturally, should not take Aviane. In addition, those with the following conditions should not take Aviane:

High blood pressure, angina or heart disease
History of stroke
History of hormonal related cancers, like breast
Certain blood/bleeding disorders
Abnormal abdominal bleeding
Migraines
Asthma
Seizures/epilepsy
History of liver disease or jaundice

If you are interested in taking Aviane, talk to your doctor to see if this is a good choice.