Comparison
Diane-35 vs Althea
Quick answer
Same formula: cyproterone acetate 2 mg + ethinylestradiol 35 mcg in both. Diane-35 is from ₱695.75 a pack and Althea from ₱537. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if switching is right for you.
Diane-35 vs Althea at a glance
| Diane-35 | Althea | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | cyproterone acetate 2 mg + ethinylestradiol 35 mcg | cyproterone acetate 2 mg + ethinylestradiol 35 mcg |
| Type | Combined pill | Combined pill |
| Estrogen | 35 mcg ethinylestradiol | 35 mcg ethinylestradiol |
| Pack | 21 tablets (21 hormone), then 7-day break | 21 tablets (21 hormone), then 7-day break |
| Price from | ₱695.75 a pack | ₱537 a pack |
| Per year | ₱9,045 | ₱6,981 |
| Breastfeeding | Not in the early months | Not in the early months |
The difference, explained
Diane-35 is Bayer's original brand; Althea is a lower-priced brand with the same active ingredients at the same dose, in the same 21-tablet pack with a 7-day break. A third brand, Cybelle, has the same formula too.
Cyproterone acetate pills are licensed in Europe for moderate to severe acne and excess hair growth linked to androgens, usually after other treatments, and should not be taken together with another hormonal contraceptive.[src] They also prevent pregnancy. The European Medicines Agency reviewed this family in 2013 and found the benefits outweigh the risks in that group, including a blood clot risk that is higher than with levonorgestrel pills.[src]
Because the actives and dose are identical, you should expect the same effect on acne and the same side effect profile. Inactive ingredients and tablet appearance can differ. Filipinas on Reddit compare the two often, especially in PCOS groups, and most of the discussion is about price.[src] Over a year the gap adds up to several thousand pesos.
Which may suit you
- Diane-35 may suit you if: You prefer the original brand, or your doctor prescribed it by name and you want to stay on it.
- Althea may suit you if: You want the same formula for less.
Your doctor decides with your full health history. Not sure where to start? Try Find my method.
Three legal routes
Get a prescription
All birth control pills need a prescription in the Philippines. Pick the route that suits you. For adults 18 and over.
Free at a health center
Barangay health centers, RHUs, DOH hospitals and Likhaan. Subject to supply.
See an OB-GYN in person
Clinic visit, prescription in hand. Bring it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online consult
A licensed doctor by video or chat. From ₱700 on some platforms.
Online consult options
For adults 18 and over. Fees are set by each provider and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Is Althea the same as Diane-35?
Yes in active ingredients and dose. The maker, inactive ingredients and price differ.
Pareho ba ang epekto sa acne?
Pareho ang active ingredients kaya inaasahang pareho ang epekto. Kumonsulta sa doktor bago lumipat.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- Benefits of Diane 35 and its generics outweigh risks in certain patient groups, European Medicines Agency
- Oral contraceptives category, Watsons PH
- Prescription Pharmacy: Contraceptive Agents, Rose Pharmacy
- Diane 35 or Yaz?, r/PCOSPhilippines