Diannette - Health Risk?

[kittykat]

I have heard that Diannette is only prescibed for a period of up to six months in the U.S. I have been taking it for approximately eight years without any problems (that I am aware of). I am keen to continue using the drug as it very much helped with severe acne and do not want to suffer from the problem again should I change to another pill i.e. Celeste which has been suggested as a 'safer' contraceptive option. I know I should consult with my GP but in the meantime...

[Miss Zippy]

Perhaps it is only prescribed for up to 6 months when used solely as an anti-acne medicine and not also as a contraceptive? I am not medically qualified and only your own GP can assess whether you are at any particular higher risk from taking Dianette (or any other oral contraceptive), e.g. due to age, weight or being a smoker. I have been taking Marvelon for nearly 10 years now and about 6 years ago it was one of three contraceptives identified as causing a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis etc. I saw two GPs at my local surgery who objectively pointed out the pros and cons (and also reminded me that being pregnant carries a far greater risk of thrombosis) and I decided to keep taking Marvelon, as it caused me no adverse effects whatsoever, unlike a couple of brands I had tried before settling on Marvelon. If you have been taking Dianette for 8 years with no problems then that pretty much suggests that it suits you. When we read of women who have suddenly died of DVT etc as a result of taking the pill, a common link is that many of them suffered within only a few weeks or months of starting to take the pill. I'm not saying that it means you are 'safer' just because you have been taking Dianette over a longer period, but we do have to put these things in perspective. Yes, taking the pill does carry some risks, as do numerous other daily activities, but as long as we understand them we can make an informed decision. But do see your GP for peace of mind!

[karlabarbie]

I was taking dianette for 4 years but have now come off it. I was apprihensive at firt because it helped my skin as well as being a contraseptive. also, it took me a few months to settle on it so i didnt want to go through all that again either! the main reason i come off the pill was because my GP was always advising me at my check ups. it is a high dosage pill and it is not advisable that you stay on it long term. I would definately think it is worth changing to a lower dosage pill just to see how you get on. if your skin gets bad again, then just change back. I think its important to be aware of your health and to try and do whats best and safest for your body. it won't hurt to try!