Methods
Is Diane-35 a birth control pill?
Quick answer
Yes. Diane-35 (cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol) prevents pregnancy the same way other combined pills do, as long as you take it correctly.
But in Europe it is licensed mainly for moderate to severe hormone-related acne and excess hair, with contraception built in.[src] So do not take it with another pill, and know a doctor may suggest a different pill if you only need contraception.
How it prevents pregnancy
Diane-35 has the two ingredients every combined pill has: an estrogen (ethinylestradiol 35 mcg) and a progestin (cyproterone acetate 2 mg). Together they stop ovulation, like Trust (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol) or Yaz (drospirenone + ethinylestradiol) do.[src] Combined pills are very effective with perfect use, and in typical use about 7 in 100 women get pregnant in a year, mostly because pills are missed.[src]
Diane-35 follows the same missed pill rules as other 30 to 35 mcg combined pills.[src] It comes as 21 tablets with a 7-day break, and the break is where most mistakes happen: start the next strip on day 8. The Missed Pill Helper covers Diane-35.
Why the label says acne
Cyproterone acetate also blocks androgens (male-type hormones) on the skin and hair follicles. In 2013 the European Medicines Agency reviewed Diane-35 and its generics after reports of blood clots. It kept them on the market for women with moderate to severe androgen-related acne or excess hair, usually after skin treatments and antibiotics have not worked, and noted that they also work as a hormonal contraceptive.[src] EMA found the clot risk is 1.5 to 2 times that of levonorgestrel pills. The risk is still small, but it is higher.[src]
In the Philippines, Diane-35 is sold with the other contraceptives and needs a prescription.[src] Many Filipinas take it for PCOS-related acne and get contraception at the same time.
Three common mix-ups
- Taking Diane-35 plus another pill. Some people add Trust "for extra protection" or because a dermatologist and an OB each prescribed one. EMA says Diane-35 should not be combined with another hormonal contraceptive, because that adds estrogen and raises clot risk.[src] Tell every doctor what you take.
- Thinking it stops working when acne clears. It keeps preventing pregnancy as long as you take it correctly, whatever your skin is doing. If you stop it, you need another method from that day.
- Assuming Althea or Cybelle are weaker. Althea and Cybelle have the same ingredients and doses, and the same contraceptive effect.[src]
If you only want contraception
If your skin is fine and you just want a pill, a doctor may suggest a levonorgestrel pill instead, partly because of the clot difference and partly cost. Diane-35 starts at ₱695.75 a pack, against ₱53.25 for Lady (levonorgestrel + ethinylestradiol). If acne is the reason, see pills for acne: which brands?
Three legal routes
Get a prescription
Diane-35 needs a prescription in the Philippines. Pick the route that suits you. For adults 18 and over.
Free at a health center
Barangay health centers, RHUs, DOH hospitals and Likhaan. Subject to supply.
See an OB-GYN in person
Clinic visit, prescription in hand. Bring it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online consult
A licensed doctor by video or chat. From ₱700 on some platforms.
Online consult options
For adults 18 and over. Fees are set by each provider and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Pang-birth control ba ang Diane-35?
Oo. Pumipigil ito sa pagbubuntis tulad ng ibang combined pills kung tama ang pag-inom. Pero ang pangunahing lisensya nito sa Europe ay para sa acne at sobrang buhok na dulot ng hormones. Huwag itong isabay sa ibang pills.
Am I protected from pregnancy during the 7-day break on Diane-35?
Yes, if you took all 21 tablets correctly and start the next strip on time. Starting late makes the break longer, which WHO treats like missed pills.
Can I take Diane-35 just for acne and use condoms for contraception?
You can use condoms too, which also protects against STIs. But Diane-35 itself already works as a contraceptive, so do not add another hormonal method.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- Benefits of Diane 35 and its generics outweigh risks in certain patient groups, European Medicines Agency
- Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers, WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Managing missed pills (Family Planning Handbook), WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Oral contraceptives category, Watsons PH