Safety of the 'Diane' contraceptive pill under review

[krysalyss]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-0...arning/4502560

Australian health authorities are reviewing the safety of a popular contraceptive pill sold under the brand name Diane.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said it would monitor the safety of drug after the French medicines agency suspended its marketing authorisation.

As well as a contraceptive, the medication is used to treat severe acne and increased male hormones in women.

The French agency found that the risk of blood clots outweighed the benefits for the medication when used to treat acne and excessive hairiness.

The TGA says it will review safety information and update advice if necessary.

[Kazzo]

When I was in America there were constant adds running about the dangers of using 'Diane' and another one. I tried Diane for the acne reason (and for contraceptive) in my teens and I had lots of problems while on it, I lasted 3 months and gave up. Interesting that it says blood clotting. I get thrombosed veins in my legs in the small veins. While I doubt it is related since it has been 10 years it made me think of it at first.

[Heaven]

eek! I used to take this.

[LimeSlice]

Bugger. That was my hope of staying off roaccutane.

[shellbell3]

I used it years back for contraception and the acne (2 birds with one stone) bit scary to hear now knowing my family has history blood clots.

[Razzberry]

I take this (a cheaper version though) and it has been fantastic for my hormonal issues, so stressful, you take it to help one problem but it creates another...

[RhiChiChi]

When I was in America there were constant adds running about the dangers of using 'Diane' and another one. I tried Diane for the acne reason (and for contraceptive) in my teens and I had lots of problems while on it, I lasted 3 months and gave up. Interesting that it says blood clotting. I get thrombosed veins in my legs in the small veins. While I doubt it is related since it has been 10 years it made me think of it at first.

My sister used this contraception and after having a full knee reco ended up with a DVT..... I'll mention it to her in case she decides to go back on this type of contraceptive

[sepata]

I used this for about 6 or so months when I was 19 for acne. It made me super crazy so I took myself off it.

[Rowellen]

I take this (a cheaper version though) and it has been fantastic for my hormonal issues, so stressful, you take it to help one problem but it creates another...

This exactly for me too. I never quite felt right on it but loved my clear skin. I didn't want to go back on it now that I'm done having kids and that is one of the main reasons I wanted DH to get the snip instead. The only time I've ever felt normal is when we were TTC & I was taking metformin. I'm sure there's probably something wrong with that one too

[Santosha]

GRRRRR. This is the ONLY thing that has ever cleared up my skin. I'm 33 dammit and I still have the pimples of a 15 year old. I just keep telling myself that as soon as my last baby weans I can have clear skin again.

NOT FAIR!!! (but thank you so much for the warning. I hate pimples, but compared to blood clots, well, pimples are just fine)

[STARRYSKY]

I took Dianne for 1 month, my boobs grew a cup size and I was a moody cow...then I went on Loette, loved my clear skin and even temperament

[krysalyss]

but thank you so much for the warning

No worries. I haven;t used this one but have used Brenda which I think it similar? But the pill never agrees with me so can't see myself going back on it again.

[JaCaMaDy]

I went on Diane after DD2 was born, developed a DVT which went unnoticed for 3 wks and I ended up with multiple pulmonary emboli & being rushed to hossy, DD2 was 5mths old & it was a scary time for us. My GP still likes to remind me that I'm lucky to be alive. My haematologist blames this pill

[mumma~r]

I had a terrible reaction to Diane, it was all going well for about 6 months. But then I got the mother of all periods which lasted 6 weeks TMI but I was going through a dozen super tampons a day plus wearing a maternity pad. My doctor put it down to a hormonal shift - I was not convinced especially after I took a 6 month break from the pill then went back but a different type.

[FabFiona]

Bugger - this was a great pill for me. Helped regulate my hormones from my PCOS which in term helped my weight loss.