Diane 35 is an oral birth control medication which is also used to treat acne. There are several side effects associated with the use of this pill. It is important to consult with your physician concerning the risks and also report any form of side effects immediately. This birth control pill is available in Europe, Asia and Canada. It is not available in the United States. What are the uses of the pills? What are the possible side effects?

What Are the Uses of Diane 35?

The Diane 35 pills can be used for the following:

• Pregnancy prevention
• Treating symptoms associated with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) in women who prefer using oral contraception methods
• Treatment of moderate acne in women above the age of 14
• For women who experience painful, heavy and irregular periods

How does Diane 35 Work?

Diane 35 pills are classified as oral contraceptives. This is a daily hormone intake that makes the body think that ovulation has begun. This ensures that eggs in the ovaries do not mature preventing them from being released each month. The hormones also thicken the mucus on the walls of the womb making it hard for sperm to cross to the womb for fertilization. The Diane 35 pills also make the lining of the uterus unsuitable for implantation of the egg in case fertilization occurs.

How Should You Take Diane 35 Pills?

• It is advisable to have a pill of Diane 35 every day with a glass of water. Make sure you take the medication at the same time each day. Each Diane 35 pills pack has 21 pills for 21 days every month. You are then allowed seven days off before you can begin taking the pills again. These seven days are the time you should have your menses. You are required to begin taking the pills on the eighth day even if you are still on your period.
• In case you experience diarrhea or vomiting within 4 hours of taking the pill, treat this as a missed dose. Use emergency contraceptive methods for the following seven days.
• The Diane 35 pills should be taken on a continuous basis for effectiveness.
• If Diane 35 pills are used for treatment of hirsutism or acne, you may have to take the pills for several months before the condition clears.
• Avoid using an additional contraception pills. This exposes you to over-dose of hormones.

How Long Should You Take Diane 35 Pills?

It is important that you take the Diane 35 pills for as long as it is recommended by the doctor for effective contraception method or acne treatment. After a few months, the acne will disappear. However, for severe acne, you may be required to take the pills for longer. Even after the acne has healed, you may have to remain under the pill for a few more months. After these months have lapsed, you will be required to start using another type of contraceptive pill.

What to Do if You Miss a Dose

Missing One Pill

In case you miss a dose for less than 12 hours, you need to take it immediately and ensure you take the other dose in the normal time. You will still be safe from pregnancy.

Missing Several Pills

• In case you realize you missed it for more than 12 hours, you should take the tablet immediately and take the other one on your usual time. This can mean you take more than one tablet in a day.
• Forget the other missed ones and then continue to take your pills, one every day, as normal.
• You should either not have sex, or use condoms, for the next seven days.
• In case you have sex within the next seven days of missing a pill, you need to use condoms. Should you have sex prior to missing a pill, you need to take an emergency contraceptive. Consult with your physician before administering any medication.

How to Store Diane 35 Pills

The Diane 35 pills should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat, pets and children. Ensure you leave the Diane 35 pills in the calendar pack before you begin using.

Risks and Warnings of Diane 35 Pills

• If you smoke cigarettes, you are at an increased risk of life threatening conditions like stroke, blood clots as well as heart attacks. Smoking of cigarettes increases the chances of developing serious cardiovascular conditions. The risk is higher for those above the age of 35. It is advisable to avoid smoking when under contraceptives.
• Women who have previously experienced blood clots, heart attacks, and cancers should not use contraceptives.
• Pregnant women and those with renal insufficiency should not take contraceptives either.
• Oral contraception pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS among others.

Side Effects of Diane 35 Pills

Some of the possible side effects include:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Breast enlargement and tenderness
• Headaches
• Fluid retention in body tissues
• Weight changes
• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Candidiasis
• Depression
• Breakthrough bleeding and menstrual spotting
• Skin reactions
• Rise in blood pressure
• Decreased sex drive
• Liver functions disturbance
• Gallstones