Diane-35 pill is a combination medication containing cyproterone and ethinyl estradiol. Cyproterone belongs to a group of medications known as antiandrogens. Ethinyl estradiol belongs to a group of medications known as estrogens. Together, they are used to treat certain severe types of acne in women that have not been successfully treated with antibiotics and other treatments. This medication works by regulating hormones that affect the skin.
This medication is taken in 28-day cycles consisting of 1 tablet daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day interval without medication (i.e., 3 weeks on, 1 week off). Tablets should be taken at the same time each day. Treatment is usually started on the first day of menstrual bleeding. Often, several months of treatment are needed before improvement is seen. Once the acne has completely resolved, this medication is usually continued for another 3 or 4 cycles and then stopped. This medication may be restarted if your acne returns.
However, In a study conducted by a Danish laboratory in 2009, it was found that using Diane-35 increases the risk of suffering from blood clots in the veins by 6.68 times in the first year of treatment. It was briefly banned in France, and has never been approved for use in the United States.
How to Spot a Fake Diane Pill
Counterfeits exist of products made by nearly all renowned pharmaceutical companies. Bayer maker of Diane pills is also affected. Criminals make counterfeits of other medicines as well, and sell them primarily through illegal online pharmacies.
Many people don’t realize it is illegal for medical grade skin care products to be sold online, unauthorized. The so-called “same product” could be sold for 25 to 50 percent cheaper online than at a physician’s office. However, the alluring savings could be costly for your skin.
Research shows many of these products are counterfeit, diluted, and expired, resulting in a complete loss of efficacy. In some cases, the product has been stored in such high temperatures that a burning sensation is felt when used, which can cause hyperpigmentation (dark patches). Other reported reactions are infection, rash, and erythema (reddening of the skin).
As a consumer, you may not have access to most of the test equipment used by regulatory bodies to verify the identity of a drug product. The following tips will serve as a guide to purchasing genuine Diane-35 pills and help you avoid fakes;
Visual inspection
Visual inspection as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO) (1999) still remains the first step in identifying potential fake drug irrespective of the analytical methods used. This is because such observation serves as a lead to identifying fake products even in the absence of the knowledge of the physical characteristics of a genuine drug product. You are expected to examine carefully both the package and its content before purchase or use.
Visual inspection of the Package
You should:
- Examine the package and check if it appears suspicious or different from what you previously know.
- Check if the security seal has been tampered with by looking for breaks or tears in the sealing tape and seals.
- Look for unusual fonts, font sizes, print color, and spelling errors.
Visual inspection of the Dosage form
At this stage, you are meant to Check for differences in the physical appearance (color uniformity, size, shape, consistency etc.) of the drug. As stated by WHO, commonly encountered physical defects that should be looked out for in tablets include:
- Excessive powder and/or pieces of tablets at the bottom of the container (from abraded, crushed or broken tablets);
- Cracks or chips in the tablets, swelling, mottling, discolouration, fusion of tablets;
- Appearance of crystal on the walls of the container or on the tablet.
Source
The source of the drug also determines if you are buying a fake Diane-35 pill or not. Buying an unregistered Diane -35 pill exposes you to a lot of risk. Filling your prescription in a reputable pharmacy greatly reduces your chances of buying fake drugs while buying from illiterate and unqualified vendors who hawk drugs in buses, motor parks and in the streets increases your chances of buying fake drugs.
Price
This is another way of identifying fake Diane-35 pill. If the price is far cheaper than what is expected, then you have to think twice. However, this may not always be true especially for some products (fake innovator/generic brands) which may be sold at the same price as the genuine one.
Unexpected side effect
Counterfeit Diane -35 pill most of the time contains substances other than the appropriate Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). They may contain incorrect substances, improper dosage or hazardous substances which produce unusual side effects, worsening medical condition after taking it. The medication should be stopped once any of the above is noticed.
According to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, consumers who purchase medications online should avoid the following: sites that are located outside of the U.S. that do not indicate any physical address; sites that do not have a license by the relevant State Boards of Pharmacy; sites without a licensed pharmacist to answer questions; and websites that do not require a prescription.
Consumers who wish to purchase drugs over the Internet should look for websites that have the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites seal. These sites, which are created by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, are licensed pharmacies selling FDA-approved medications to discourage the sale of counterfeit drugs from illegitimate online sources.
