Oman's Ministry of Health suspends prescription and sale of Diane 35 tablets 

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) Oman's Ministry of Health (MoH) has suspended the prescription and sale of Diane 35 a pill used to treat acne and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and also has a contraceptive effect. 

The decision follows reports of the risk of venous thromboemobilism (blood clotting). A circular has been issued on suspension of the drug's prescription by doctors and sale in Oman.

Recently, UAE too moved to suspend sale of the drugs after France took a similar decision after four related deaths were reported, which have occurred over 25 years and 100 other users were diagnosed with blood clots.

Many other countries in Europe are also monitoring the drug. ''The drug Diane 35 has been suspended temporarily in Oman as it has increased risk of venous thromboemobilism. Although it is an acne medicine, but it is also used off label as an oral contraceptive because it stops ovulation and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

''We have temporarily suspended the sale of this drug until a detailed review,'' a senior MoH official old Muscat Daily.

''We also advise the patients currently on this drug to reconsult their doctors. There may be alternatives to this drug,'' he added.

''I used to prescribe this medicine. However, we have not heard anything from  MoH yet about the medicine, which has mostly been used by gynecologists as it has effective and quick results,'' a senior gynaecologist from the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital old Muscat Dail