Side Effects of Diane Birth Control Pill

Diane-35 is a medicine, manufactured by Schering that, according to BirthControl.com, contains a combination of cyproterone and ethinyl estradiol. Cyproterone is a type of antiandrogen, which means it prevents the effect of many sex hormones. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen-like drug that can help prevent pregnancy and help with acne. According to CHealth, Diane 35 is marketed for acne treatment, but BirthControl.com reports that the drug can be used as birth control. In either case, use of the drug may expose patients to various side effects.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

A change in regular menstrual patterns can be a side effect of Diane-35, according to CHealth. Changes may include decreased bleeding, spotting between periods, prolonged bleeding, complete absence of any bleeding for several months, or periodic absence of bleeding. These bleeding abnormalities may be a sign of underlying conditions such as a pregnancy or cervical cancer.

Headaches

CHealth lists headaches as a possible less common side effect of Diane-35. Some patients experience mild headaches with which they are unaccustomed. Contracept.org lists headaches as a common side effect of women taking birth control pills that contain ethinyl estradiol. If the headache suddenly worsens or is severe, patients should seek prompt medical advice, as this could be a sign of an emergency cardiovascular condition in the brain.

Nausea and Vomiting

Patients taking Diane-35 should be aware that nausea and vomiting are side effects of the drug, according to BirthControl.com. This is most probably due to the effects of the ethinyl estradiol. Contracept.org lists nausea as one of the main side effects caused by the estrogen component of all oral contraceptive pills (OCPs).

Vaginal Infection or Discharge

Vaginal infections or discharge are a less common side effect of Diane-35, according to CHealth. The discharge can appear white and curd-like. This discharge is caused by the estrogen component of the drug, as reported by Contracept.org. The discharge can change the conditions within the vagina and make it easier for bacteria to infect the organ.

Weight Gain

BirthControl.com states that one of the side effects of Diane-35 is weight gain. The weight gain is only a side effect of the drug if it occurs even when the patient is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Weight gain in patients who are consuming too many calories, or lead a sedentary lifestyle cannot be solely attributed to the drug.

Bleeding Abnormalities

Any pill that contains large amounts of estrogen can cause bleeding abnormalities, according to Contracept.org. Deep vein thromboses are clots that form in the veins of the leg and move to other smaller vessels. When these clots get caught in smaller vessels, they can cause a block of blood flow leading to many life-threatening consequences. According to CHealth, women on Diane-35 should seek emergency treatment if they experience a sudden loss of vision, pain in the calf of the leg, sudden or unexplained shortness of breath, sudden slurring of speech, or weakness or numbness in the arms or legs. Any of these can be indicators of a clot blocking blood to one or more vital organs.