Can Diane 35 be taken for a longer period?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been having shooting pain in my legs after two hours of Diane-35. I have also read about the risk of blood clots on this pill. I was prescribed this pill because the previous birth control pill was causing hair fall.

Can Diane 35 be taken for a longer duration like three years?

Please guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Diane 35 (Cyproterone acetate) is an oral contraceptive pill, is usually prescribed for PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). It is not recommended for long-term hormonal contraception. Instead, you should be opting for Femilon 21 (Desogestrel and Ethinyl estradiol) if hormonal contraception is preferred.

Power shooting pain in the legs immediately after taking Diane 35 is unlikely to cause DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or clots immediately.

The most likely diagnosis would be sciatica due to lumbar compression. So, an X-ray of the lumbosacral spine and a leg venous Doppler should be done to rule out any chances of sciatica and DVT (deep vein thrombosis), respectively.

I would recommend an intrauterine nonhormonal contraceptive like copper-T, which can be used for 10 years.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your detailed feedback.

The one-sided pain is more likely to be sciatica pain. An X-ray of the lumbosacral spine would be mandatory to rule out spondylolisthesis or spondylitis. Once that is ruled out, then it would be best to get a Doppler study done to rule out DVT. The best would be to opt for an IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device).

I hope this clarifies your concern.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Have a great day ahead.

Thank you.