Common use

Diane-35 is a hormonal medication primarily used to treat moderate to severe acne, hormonal skin conditions, and excess hair growth (hirsutism) in women. It also functions as an oral contraceptive by preventing ovulation and altering the uterine lining and cervical mucus.

The combination of cyproterone acetate (a progestin with anti-androgen effects) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) helps reduce androgen levels in the body. This makes it particularly effective in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or elevated androgen levels.

Dosage and direction

The usual dosage is one tablet daily, taken at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval.

• Start on the first day of the menstrual cycle or as directed by a healthcare provider
• Swallow tablets whole with water (do not chew)
• Take regularly without interruption for optimal results

Precautions

Before using Diane-35, inform your doctor if you have any history of:

• Blood clots
• Liver disease
• Depression
• Migraine

Important considerations:

• Smoking increases cardiovascular risks, especially in women over 35
• Not suitable for contraception alone - only for women with androgen-related skin conditions
• Regular checkups and monitoring of liver function and blood pressure are necessary

Contraindications

Diane-35 should not be used by individuals with:

• History of thromboembolic disorders or stroke
• Severe liver disease
• Breast cancer
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Allergy to cyproterone acetate or ethinyl estradiol

Other contraindications:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Women over 35 who smoke

Possible side effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Spotting or changes in libido

Rare but serious side effects requiring medical attention:

• Blood clots
• Liver issues
• Vision problems
• Signs of thrombosis
• Severe abdominal pain
• Jaundice

Drug interactions

Diane-35 may interact with several medications:

• Rifampin
• Antiepileptics
• St. John's Wort
• Certain antivirals

Important notes about interactions:

• May reduce contraceptive effectiveness
• Can interfere with metabolism of other drugs like lamotrigine
• Backup contraception may be needed when using interacting medications
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements

Missed dose

If you miss a tablet:

• Less than 12 hours late: take it immediately and continue normal schedule
• More than 12 hours late: contraceptive protection may be reduced (follow package instructions)

Important reminders:

• Additional contraception may be needed depending on when the pill was missed
• Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose

Overdose

Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vaginal bleeding

Treatment information:

• Serious effects are rare
• No specific antidote - treatment is supportive
• Contact a healthcare professional or poison control if overdose is suspected
• Keep medication out of children's reach

Storage

Proper storage guidelines:

• Store at room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F)
• Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight
• Store in original packaging until use
• Do not use expired medication
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. The information cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis.

Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your healthcare provider. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any damages resulting from use of this information or consequences of self-treatment.