Safely Buy Diane 35 ( Cyproterone Acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Diane 35 appears to be a prescription medication containing cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol that is used to treat severe acne in women. It has anti-androgen properties that can help control acne caused by high androgen levels.

While I do not have enough context to determine if this medication is prescribed for you or someone else, I would recommend exercising caution if using Diane 35.

Diane 35 is only approved for short-term treatment of severe acne and should be used as directed by a doctor.

Use and Dosage

This medication is taken in 28-day cycles consisting of 1 tablet daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day interval without medication (i.e., 3 weeks on, 1 week off). Tablets should be taken at the same time each day. Treatment is usually started on the first day of menstrual bleeding. Often, several months of treatment are needed before improvement is seen. Once the acne has completely resolved, this medication is usually continued for another 3 or 4 cycles and then stopped. This medication may be restarted if your acne returns.

If spotting or breakthrough bleeding occurs during the 3 weeks during which this medication is being taken, continue taking this medication. The spotting or breakthrough bleeding is usually temporary. If bleeding is persistent or lasts a long time, contact your doctor.

If your menstrual period fails to occur during the 7-day tablet-free interval, do not start the next medication cycle and contact your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The medication will be less effective if you miss doses. If you miss a dose of this medication, and you remember within 12 hours, take the missed dose. If more than 12 hours have passed, discard the missed tablet, and continue to take the remaining tablets in the pack at the usual time. An additional non-hormonal method of birth control (e.g., condoms) should be used until the pack is empty. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g., down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Side Effects

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary, or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Abdominal cramps and bloating
• Appetite changes
• Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
• Brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin
• Discomfort wearing contact lenses
• Dizziness
• Excess hair growth on face, chest, legs
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Increased or decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• Irritability
• Menstrual pain
• Mood changes
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Rash or reddish lumps under the skin
• Red or purple spots or patches under the skin
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Swelling of ankles and feet
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting
• Weight gain or loss

Although most of the side effects listed below do not happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Abnormal, uncontrollable movements of the arms or legs
• Changes in the uterine bleeding pattern during or between menstrual periods (such as decreased bleeding, breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods, prolonged bleeding, complete stopping of menstrual bleeding that occurs over several months in a row, or stopping of menstrual bleeding that only occurs sometimes)
• Decreased blood flow to the extremities (Raynaud’s syndrome)
• Decreased milk supply if breast-feeding
• Difficulty becoming pregnant after stopping the medication
• Signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• For women with diabetes: mild increase of blood sugar, faintness, nausea, pale skin, or sweating
• For women with a history of breast disease: lumps in the breast
• Headaches or migraines (although headaches may lessen for many users, they may increase in number or become worse for others)
• Hearing changes
• Increased blood pressure (e.g., headache, nausea, vomiting, vision change)
• Signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, confusion, fatigue, fluid retention)
• Symptoms of a bladder infection (e.g., frequent, or urgent need to urinate; pain or burning with urination; foul-smelling, cloudy, or bloody urine)
• Symptoms of gallstones (e.g., pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting)
• Symptoms of liver problems (e.g., swelling, pain, tenderness or lump in the upper abdominal area, yellowing of eyes or skin, skin itching)
• Symptoms of porphyria (disease affecting how blood functions; e.g., severe abdominal pain, pounding heartbeat, trouble breathing, red or brown urine)
• Vaginal infection with vaginal itching or irritation, or thick, white, or curd-like discharge
• Vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Abdominal or stomach pain (sudden, severe, or continuing)
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• Signs of blood clots (e.g., coughing up blood; pains in chest, groin, or leg – especially in calf of leg)
• Signs of heart attack (e.g., sudden chest pain or pain radiating to back, down arm, jaw; sensation of fullness of the chest; nausea; vomiting; sweating; anxiety)
• Signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
• Signs of stroke (e.g., sudden, or severe headache; sudden loss of coordination; vision changes; sudden slurring of speech; or unexplained weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg)
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden, partial, or complete loss of vision
• Swelling of the face, hands, feet, or airways

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed.

Cautions

Before administering this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have diabetes, hypertension, blood disorders, heart problems, or liver diseases. Also, inform them if you are smoking or obese, as they will help them distinguish if this is safe for you.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cyproterone acetate, Ethinyl estradiol, or other components. When using this oral pill, you should get medical help as soon as you notice any of the following allergic symptoms.

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or lactating women to prevent harming your baby. Moreover, do not give this medication to men.

Do not take this medication with estrogen or progestogen to prevent drug interaction. Use a condom during sexual activity or other contraceptive methods to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

Keep this hormonal pill out of reach of the children and store it safely.

Form and Strengths

Diane 35 is available in the following form and strengths:

• Diane 35 Tablet:
  • 2 mg/0.035 mg
• Cyproterone Acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablet:
  • 2 mg/0.035 mg

FAQ

What are the doses of Diane 35?

The standard dosage is 1 tablet orally per day. Tablets should be taken around the same time each day and treatment should start on the first day of the menstrual cycle. Diane 35 is typically used for up to 6 months after which treatment should be discontinued.

Can Diane 35 be used as birth control?

While Diane 35 does contain progestin like some birth control pills, it is not specifically recommended or approved to prevent pregnancy and birth control should not be its primary purpose of use. Acne treatment should be the main goal under a doctor’s supervision.

Resources:

1. https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/diane-35
2. https://www.drugs.com/uk/diane-35-tablets-leaflet.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC143555/
4. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/benefits-diane-35-its-generics-outweigh-risks-certain-patient-groups-prac-recommendation-endorsed