mav0907 asked
I have been taking Dianette for a year now. I always take it at 9pm. However, since starting a new packet 5 days ago I changed the time to 8.30 am as it suits me better. I have had really really light brown spotting, is this normal?
Answer
Dianette is a oral contraceptive (i.e. birth control pill) that contains two drugs, (cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol). As with any birth control, it is recommended to take it at the same time every day for optimal effectiveness and to lessen side effects. Sometimes it is necessary however, to change your scheduled administration time to something that is more convenient.
What you are experiencing is very common and is most likely 'breakthrough bleeding'. This can occur for a variety of reasons such as a change in birth control medication or simply by changing the time you take the medication (as is the case in your situation). Changing the administration time of your birth control by 12 hours is significant and your body needs to adjust.
It is not uncommon for breakthrough bleeding to continue for at least few cycles of your birth control (i.e. a few months) as your body adjusts. If it continues for longer than a few months, it would be a good idea to consult with your OBGYN. In addition, if the spotting does not appear to be lessening, you should speak with your OBGYN.
In fact, the package insert for Dianette states the following:
"During the first few months that you are taking Dianette, you may have unexpected bleeding (bleeding outside the gap week).
Not only does that apply to starting the medication, it certainly applies to such a large change in the time you take the medication.
It is important to consider other factors as well that could lead to spotting. Smoking, diet change, adding nutritional supplements or vitamins to your diet, as well as added stresses all can contribute to spotting. If nothing else has changed in your life aside from the time you are taking the pills, the breakthrough bleeding (spotting) should dissipate over the next few months. If not, seek medical advice from your doctor.
