Diane 35 21 tabs/pack

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 severe types of acne in women that have not been successfully treated with antibiotics and other treatments.

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 severe types of acne in women that have not been successfully treated with antibiotics and other treatments. This medication works by regulating hormones that affect the skin.

How To Take

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.

Precaution

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. 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 runny or stuffy nose swelling of ankles and feet unusual tiredness or weakness vomiting weight gain or loss