Diane-35 birth control

Diane-35 medicine

Diane-35 is a 21 day pack pill containing 21 hormonal pills. It contains the active formulation of cyproterone acetate (in 2 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (in 0.035mg). Cyproterone acetate is in a form of progesterone hormones as well as an anti-androgen while ethinyl estradiol is a form of estrogen. Inactive ingredients of Diane-35 includes: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and talc.

Diane-35 is supplied in round/bi convex shaped, beige color tablet with coating in the mixture of substances like: calcium carbonate, ferric oxide, glycerol, povidone, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, talc and wax. 

The pill is manufactured by Bayer Schering Pharma with headquarter in Germany.

Pharmacological Action

The active formulation of 2 hormones, progestin (in a form of cyproterone acetate) and estrogen (in a form of ethinyl estradiol) works hand in hand in reversing the effect of androgenisation (too much production of androgen).

Androgen is a male hormone that is also produced by the female body albeit in small amount. If Androgen is produced in excess quantity, sebum glands will likewise produces excess sebum (skin oil) that will increase the risk of developing skin condition such as seborrhea (greasy skin) and acne through the blockage of hair follicles in the skin.

If used to prevent pregnancy, Diane-35 birth control works in the following ways:

• Prevents the fertilization of egg
• Changing of the cervical mucus and endometrium thereby preventing the sperm to penetrate

If used to improve the clarity of skin, the cyproterone acetate that is one of the active ingredients of Diane-35 obstructs the production of androgen in the ovary by binding the androgen receptors. Ethyl estradiol on the other hand complements the effect of cyproterone by reducing the amount of androgen circulated in the system.  

Diane-35 medicine Indication

Diane-35 is indicated for the treatment of severe symptoms of androgenisation namely:

• Hirutism (excessive hair growth in unwanted areas of the body)
• Androgenic alopecia ( hair loss)
• Acne (due to excessive production of androgen including acne papulopustulosa, acne nodulocystica)
• Seborrhea (greasy skin)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (a disorder that affects ovulation and menstrual periods)

Diane 35 is also used as oral contraceptive pill and to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Diane-35 medicine Mode of Administration

Diane-35 birth control is administered orally (by mouth). The first dose of treatment is taken during the first day of menstrual period (day 1 of menstrual bleeding). Follow your doctor’s instruction to achieve success of the medication. The pill is conveniently supplied in calendar pack to ensure the proper flow of intake. Follow the arrows until the entire content of the pack is consumed.

Diane-35 is to be taken as a 21 day cycle; 21 days for hormonal pills. Take the pill on the same hour of the day with small amount of liquid. Do not modify the original form of the pill by crushing or cutting in half. 

The treatment is usually done for at least 3 to 4 cycles and shall continue depending on the severity of symptoms treated.

Contraindications and Cautions

For purposes of safety, your Doctor will require the performance of several tests including laboratory and physical examination to determine your compatibility with the pill. Diane-35 medicine is contraindicated to patients who have thromboembolic disease like deep vein thrombosis, stroke, coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction. Inform your Doctor if you have any of the following diseases or whether any of these conditions are present in your family history:

• Cholestatic Jaundice
• Liver disease
• Eye lesion caused by problems of eye vessel in the eye
• Diabetes
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Otosclerosis or hearing loss with particular deterioration during pregnancy
• Breast cancer

Women who are smoking while under the treatment of Diane-35 or other oral contraceptives medication has an increased risk to develop serious complications and disorder including cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke or blood clots. Avoid cigarette smoking while under the medication of Diane-35.   

Diane-35 Side Effects

The side effects that are associated on the use of this pill are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Tenderness of breast
• Fluid retention
• Skin rash
• Change in libido
• Depression
• Unusual feeling of tiredness

There are symptoms that are aggravated by the use of this pill. Inform your health care provider if you experienced any of the following side effects:

• Menstrual spotting or bleeding
• Breast lumps
• Increased blood pressure
• Severe depression
• Symptoms of increased blood sugar including nausea, sweating to women with diabetes
• Frequent and increased intensity of headaches
• Vaginal discharges in thick, white color accompanied with vaginal itching or irritation
• Signs of liver disorder such as yellowing of the eyes and skin; swelling, pain or tenderness in the upper abdomen

Discontinue the medication if you experience any of the symptoms of blood clots (coughing-up blood, chest pain or leg pain in the calf area), heart attacks (sudden chest pain, nausea, vomiting and anxiety) stroke or shortness of breath.

Like other medications, side effects vary depending on several factors such as age, medical condition or racial factor. It is necessary to perform regular medical test in order to institute safety and reduce the risk of complications.  

Remedy Interactions

Medication interactions are likely to increase the risk of side effects. It is significant to inform your medical practitioner what other medications you are currently taking aside from Diane-35 medicine. The following classification of medications may have a possible interaction with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol compound:

• Analgesics
• Antibiotic
• Anti-epileptic agents
• Barbiturates
• Rifampicin
• Anti-Diabetes medications including insulin and other hypoglycemic medicaments

The interaction of two medications does not necessarily require the stoppage of either medication. Your medical practitioner may institute modification of treatment or otherwise decrease the dosage of one remedy.

Interesting facts

The combined efficacy of Diane-35 birth control inthe preventing pregnancy as well as for the treatment of acne is considered a breakthrough discovery in the field of gynecological medicine and dermatology. It is like hitting two birds in one stone as to say. Women in the early adolescence stage aging 14 years old or over may use Diane-35 for the cure of seborrhea or other androgenisation symptoms.

Diane-35 Review:

"It is not surprising that this pill works great wonders in reducing my menstrual cramps and makes my irregular menstrual period to regular. What surprises me was when my acne and skin spots vanished. I actually used several kinds of birth control pills and I finally found complete satisfaction with Diane-35. After using the pill in 4 cycles, I haven’t experienced horrifying side effects…God forbid…I felt more confident about myself from the new skin radiance I obtained in using Diane-35 medicine."