Comparison
Diane-35 vs Yaz
Quick answer
Different formulas. Diane-35 (cyproterone acetate 2 mg + ethinylestradiol 35 mcg) is the one licensed for androgen-related acne. Yaz (drospirenone 3 mg + ethinylestradiol 20 mcg) is a lower-estrogen pill with a shorter break. Your doctor decides which suits your skin and health.
Diane-35 vs Yaz at a glance
| Diane-35 | Yaz | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | cyproterone acetate 2 mg + ethinylestradiol 35 mcg | drospirenone 3 mg + ethinylestradiol 20 mcg |
| Type | Combined pill | Combined pill |
| Estrogen | 35 mcg ethinylestradiol | 20 mcg ethinylestradiol |
| Pack | 21 tablets (21 hormone), then 7-day break | 28 tablets (24 hormone + 4 other) |
| Price from | ₱695.75 a pack | ₱889 a pack |
| Per year | ₱9,045 | ₱11,557 |
| Breastfeeding | Not in the early months | Not in the early months |
The difference, explained
"Diane 35 or Yaz?" is one of the most common questions in Filipino PCOS groups.[src] Both are combined pills and both are used by people with acne, but they work differently. Cyproterone acetate is a strong anti-androgen, which is why Diane-35 and its twins are licensed for moderate to severe acne and excess hair growth.[src] Drospirenone has milder anti-androgen activity.
Yaz has 20 mcg of ethinylestradiol and comes as 24 hormone tablets plus 4 inactive ones, so the hormone-free interval is shorter. Lower-dose pills can mean lighter bleeds, and sometimes more spotting. Because it is a 20 mcg pill, the stricter WHO missed-pill rule applies: missing 2 or more means condoms for 7 days.[src]
Both carry a higher blood clot risk than levonorgestrel pills, and neither suits smokers 35 and over or people with migraine with aura.[src] Acne often takes a few cycles to improve on either. Cheaper twins exist for both: Althea and Cybelle for Diane-35, Lizelle and Ermina for Yaz.
Which may suit you
- Diane-35 may suit you if: Your doctor is treating androgen-related acne or excess hair growth.
- Yaz may suit you if: You and your doctor prefer a lower-estrogen pill with a shorter break.
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
Which is better for PCOS acne, Diane-35 or Yaz?
Neither is better for everyone. Diane-35 is the one licensed for androgen-related acne; your doctor weighs that against your other health factors.
Can I take Diane-35 and Yaz together?
No. Never take two hormonal contraceptives together.
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
- Diane 35 or Yaz?, r/PCOSPhilippines
- Managing missed pills (Family Planning Handbook), WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Combined pill: who can and cannot take it, NHS