Does anyone know if Diane 35 birth control is available here? Also, how expensive is bc, generally.
Important information from Health Canada advising against using Diane 35 as birth control:
2005-39
May 12, 2005
Advisory
Health Canada advises consumers of new warning For DIANE-35
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers of important information about the use of the prescription drug DIANE-35. Berlex and Health Canada reached an agreement on a new version of the Product Monograph. DIANE-35 is used for the treatment of women suffering from pronounced forms of acne. The drug should not be promoted nor used as a method of birth control.
The new patient package insert includes the following information:
DIANE-35, as with all estrogen/progestogen combinations must not be used in women with thrombophlebitis, thromboembolic disorders (blood clots), or a history of these conditions.
DIANE-35 users appear to have an elevated risk of blood clots compared to users of combination oral contraceptives in some published studies.
DIANE-35 should not be prescribed for the purpose of birth control alone.
Oral contraceptives should not be taken during treatment with DIANE-35.
DIANE-35 should be discontinued 3 to 4 months after signs of acne have completely resolved.
Consumers should be aware that cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels from DIANE-35 use. This risk increases with age and heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes a day) and is more marked in women over 35-years of age. Women who use estrogen/progestogen combinations should not smoke.
Patients should inform their doctor if they have or have had blood clots in the legs, lungs, eyes or elsewhere, or a stroke, heart attack, or chest pain.
The identification, characterization, and management of marketed health product-related adverse reactions are dependent on the active participation of health care professionals in adverse reaction reporting programmes. Any occurrences of thromboembolic disorders (blood clots) or other serious and/or unexpected adverse reactions in patients receiving DIANE-35
Diane 35 is available. I haven’t used it myself, so I don’t know about the cost.
Diane 35 is used by women with high level of testosterone and/or polycystic ovaries (acne is only one symptom).
The information about blood clots is ugly but all the other BC pills might cause them too.
Hmmm, seems like this is a bit of a controversial pill. I’m actually inquiring about it because a friend of mine asked me to pick some up for her on my way to India. I’ll be sure to send her the advisory posted above.
I use Mercilon 21, and it’s not bad.
It ranges from 120-150 nt a monthly pack in different drug stores.
I think it’s supposed to be the lowest dosage that works, so it’s better for you.
Aren’t all of them controversial? I strongly vote against Yasmin, but never had any problems with Diana 35.
CBC’s Disclosure did a show on Diane 35 just over two years ago or so. I do not think you can watch the episode online any more but there is lots of information at:
trinordiol, only $90NT ($4) /months supply!