Product Details: Diane 35 (Cyproterone / Ethinyl Estradiol)

Each calendar-pack holds 21 beige active tablets, containing 2mg cyproterone acetate and 0.035mg ethinyloestradiol and in addition, 7 larger white inactive (placebo) tablets.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Bayer

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medication contains a combination of two ingredients: cyproterone and ethinyl estradiol. Cyproterone belongs to a group of medications known as antiandrogens. Ethinyl estradiol belongs to a group of medications known as estrogens. Together, they are used to treat certain types of acne in women. This medication works by regulating hormones that affect the skin.

Directions

This medication is taken in 28-day cycles consisting of one 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. Usually, several months of treatment are needed. If spotting or breakthrough bleeding occurs during the three weeks during which this medication is being taken, 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 very important that this medication be used on a regular schedule as prescribed by the 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 missing 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. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Cautions

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Side Effects

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. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common:

abdominal, cramping, or bloating
breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
dizziness
nausea
swelling of ankles and feet
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

Less common:

brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin
gain or loss of body or facial hair
increased or decreased interest in sexual intercourse
increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
weight gain or loss
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common (usually less common after the first 3 months of use):

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)

Less common:

headaches or migraines (although headaches may lessen for many users, for others, they may increase in number or become worse)
increased blood pressure
vaginal infection with vaginal itching or irritation, or thick, white, or curd-like discharge
for women with diabetes: mild increase of blood sugar-faintness, nausea, pale skin, or sweating

Rare:

depression
swelling, pain, or tenderness in upper abdominal area
for women who smoke tobacco: pains in stomach, side, or abdomen; yellow eyes or skin
for women with a history of breast disease: lumps in breast

Active Ingredients

Cyproterone / Ethinyl Estradiol