Brand Name
Diane-35
Common Name
cyproterone - ethinyl estradiol
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
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.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
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.
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.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each beige, round, sugar-coated tablet contains cyproterone acetate 2 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and talc; tablet coating: calcium carbonate, ferric oxide yellow, glycerol, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, and wax.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Cyproterone - ethinyl estradiol should not be taken by people who:
- is allergic to cyproterone, estradiol, or to any ingredients of the medication
- is or may be pregnant
- has a history of cholestatic jaundice
- has active liver disease
- has any eye lesion caused by blood vessel disease in the eye (such as partial or complete loss of vision or a defect in the visual fields)
- has existing or have had blood vessel or blood clotting disorders (including thrombophlebitis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebrovascular disease, heart attack, and coronary artery disease)
- has had otosclerosis with deterioration during pregnancy
- has known or suspected breast cancer
- has known or suspected tumours dependent on estrogen
- has or have had liver tumours
- has severe diabetes with blood vessel changes
- has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
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