With so many variations of birth control methods available ranging from birth control pills, patches and even insertable rings, it might be a confusing experience when researching for a primary form of birth control that is best for you.

Don't worry! We at Zoey have got you covered and can give you the 411 on Diane-35, an effective form of birth control pill.

In this article, we will be explaining what Diane-35 is, how it works, how to take Diane-35, what you should do if you ever miss a dose and the potential side effects that could occur while taking Diane-35.

What Is Diane-35 And How Does It Work?

Diane-35 is a combination birth control pill that contains 2 active ingredients: cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. Cyproterone acetate is an antiandrogens, while ethinyl estradiol is a hormone called estrogen.

So how does Diane-35 work?

Together with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, Diane-35 prevents pregnancies by delaying or stopping ovulation from taking place. It thickens the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg as well as thinning the womb lining to make it more difficult for the egg to attach itself to if it gets fertilized. With the prevention of the fertilized egg being implanted in the womb, it will then pass out of the body.  

It is important to note that taking Diane-35 will not prevent you or your partner from contracting sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B or HIV. It is vital that you continue to practice safe sex and use condoms to prevent the spread of STDs.

Besides effectively preventing pregnancies, Diane-35 is also used to treat severe acne cases in women suffering from an oil skin condition called seborrhea. Diane-35 helps to decrease the oil production of the skin which then helps to clear acne.

How Should I Take Diane-35?

Diane-35 is taken in a 28-day cycle and the birth control pack will come with 21 active pills. There will be a 7-day interval where you do not take the medication. You should take one Diane-35 pill daily consistently at the same time.

When first starting out with Diane-35, your doctor will recommend that you take your first dose during your first day of your menstrual cycle. You will then take it daily for 21 consecutive days until the birth control pack is finished. You should not take any pills for the next 7 days and your period should come during this time. Once you have gone 7 days without taking the birth control pills, you can start a new pack of Diane-35. You should start this new pack regardless of whether your period has started or not.

You might experience some spotting (otherwise known as breakthrough bleeding) during the weeks when you take the medication. This bleeding is usually temporary and you should continue taking the medication. However, if the spotting persists for more than 7 days, it is important that you contact your doctor.

What Should I Do If I Forget To Take My Dose Of Diane-35?

Diane-35 can effectively prevent unwanted pregnancies from occurring, but only if you take the medication as prescribed by your doctor and take it consistently every day at roughly the same time. The efficacy of Diane-35 will diminish if you miss a dose.

So what should you do in the event that you accidentally miss a dose?

If you forgot to take your Diane-35 medication at your usual time, you should take it as soon as you remember. If you miss taking a dose and more than 12 hours has passed, you should discard the missed pill and continue taking the remaining pills in the pack as normal.

It is important that you do not take double the dose to compensate for missing a pill. If you are unsure on what you should do after forgetting to take your birth control pill, you should contact your doctor immediately for further advice.

If you do miss a dose, it is highly recommended that you use a back-up non-hormonal method of contraception (like condoms) until you finish the birth control pack. If you do have in unprotected sex after missing a dose, you might need to take an emergency contraception. You should contact your doctor for further advice if you think you might be pregnant.

Potential Side Effects Of Diane-35

While taking Diane-35 daily, you might experience the following side effects:

• Headaches
• Upset stomach (aches, bloating and cramping)
• Vomiting and nausea
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness
  

Diane-35 might affect and raise your blood pressure. You should check your blood pressure regularly and inform your doctor if your blood pressure is high.

It is important that you contact your doctor promptly or seek medical assistance if you begin to experience the following serious side effects:

• An increased blood pressure
• Uncontrollable movements in the legs or arms
• A decreased blood flow to your extremities.
• Vision or hearing changes
• There is a change in your vaginal bleeding (persistent spotting, missed periods or sudden heavy bleeding)
• Dark patches on your skin (melasma)

Who should NOT Take Diane-35

It is vital that if you have the following that you DO NOT take Diane-35 as your primary form of birth control:

• You are allergic to cyproterone acetate, ethinyl estradiol or any of the ingredients present in Diane-35.
• You are or might be pregnant
• You are taking other progestogen or estrogen medication
• You have a blood clotting disorder
• You have an active liver disease
• You have a history of cholestatic jaundice
• You have severe diabetes

If you're considering Diane-35 to be your primary form of birth control or require any further guidance on the various birth control methods available, you can consult one of our doctors. Here at Zoey, our doctors are best equipped with the knowledge to determine which form of birth control is the most suitable and safest for you and whether Diane-35 is right for you.