Unwanted Facial Hair

Cyproterone Acetate 2mg w/ Ethinyl Estradiol 35mcg (Diane 35®)

Diane-35®, Cyproterone acetate is not commonly used by itself to minimize hair growth.

Drug Class

Oral contraceptive

Trade Name

Diane 35®, Dianette

Dosage and Administration

Oral: Tablets: Cyproterone acetate 2mg w/ ethinyl estradiol 35mcg Diane-35®

Diane-35® may be used to treat persistent acne that doesn't respond to antibiotics, with associated symptoms of androgenization including seborrhea and hirsutism.

Safety Information

Liver function tests are recommended every 6 months.

Diane-35® is contraindicated in patients with any of the following:

  • A history of or actual thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders;
  • History of or actual cerebrovascular disorders;
  • History of or actual myocardial infarction or coronary arterial disease;
  • Active liver disease;
  • Previous or existing liver tumours (benign or malignant);
  • History of cholestatic jaundice;
  • Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast;
  • Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia;
  • Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding;
  • Any ocular lesion arising from ophthalmic vascular disease, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields;
  • When pregnancy is suspected or diagnosed;
  • Severe diabetes with vascular changes;
  • A history of otosclerosis with deterioration during pregnancy;
  • Known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the components of Diane-35.

Adverse Effects

Cutaneous effects may include dry skin, thrombophlebitis, photosensitivity, alopecia, and maculopapular rash.

Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, vomiting, and hepatitis. Endocrine effects may include decreased libido, gynecomastia, impaired glucose metabolism and weight gain.

Other effects may include headache, fatigue and depression.

FDA Pregnancy Category X

Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Feminization of the male fetus can occur.

Major Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of antihypertensive, benzodiazepines, beta-adrenergic blockers, corticosteroids, hypoglycemic and tricyclic antibiotics may alter efficacy; anticoagulant effect may be reduced; rifampicin, griseofulvin,ampicillin, analgesics, antihistamines, chloramphenicol, penicillin and tetracyclines may reduce contraceptive efficacy.


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