BELLA Hexal also know as Dianette is used for the treatment of androgen-dependent diseases in women, such as acne nodulocystica), especially pronounced forms and those which are accompanied by seborrhea or by inflammation or formation of nodes (acne papulopustulosa, acne, androgenetic alopecia and mild forms of hirsutism. BELLA Hexal is also indicated for oral contraception in women with androgen-dependent diseases and for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. The aim of treatment with BELLA Hexal is to block the peripheral action of male hormones commonly present in the female body. BELLA Hexal prevents pregnancy in several ways:-

• inhibiting the egg release by stopping it maturing

• changing the cervical mucus consistency making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg

• changing the lining of the uterus making it less suitable for implantation

When taken as directed BELLA Hexal is very effective at preventing pregnancy. Oral contraceptives such as BELLA Hexal may have many beneficial effects including:

• a decrease in the amount of blood you lose each month during your period

• a decrease in anemia

• a decrease in period pain

• a decrease in pelvic inflammatory disease

• a decrease in developing ovarian cysts

• an improvement in acne

• a reduced risk of tubal (ectopic) pregnancy

• a reduced risk of benign breast disease (breast lumpiness)

• a reduced risk of getting cancer of the uterus (womb) lining and ovaries.

• BELLA Hexal is not for use in men.

• Checklist before using BELLA Hexal

It is important to remember that BELLA Hexal tablets are a PRESCRIPTION ONLY MEDICINE - you should only use BELLA Hexal tablets as directed by your doctor.

Special precautions

The use of Oral Contraceptives such as BELLA Hexal by cigarette smokers may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This risk increases with heavy smoking and advancing age and is quite marked in women over the age of 35 years. You should therefore stop smoking if you want to use an oral contraceptive such as BELLA Hexal .

You must not use BELLA Hexal if any of the following apply to you:

• you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant

• you are breastfeeding

• you have a history of or currently have blood clots in the legs, brain, lungs or heart

• you have known or suspected cancer of the breast or lining of the womb

• you have previous or existing liver tumors

• you have jaundice or suffer from severe disturbances of liver function, including jaundice and itch associated with pregnancy

• you suffer from diabetes and associated vascular complications

• you have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

• you suffer from disturbances in blood lipid (fat) levels or have high cholesterol levels

• you suffer from otosclerosis (hearing loss), which deteriorates during pregnancy

• you have a history of herpes of pregnancy

• you have sickle-cell anemia

• You should advise your doctor if any of the following apply to you before commencing BELLA Hexal :

• you suffer from migraine

• you have a history of depression

• you have high blood-pressure

• you have any other medical conditions

• you are taking other medications you have been prescribed or bought yourself without prescription

Side effects

Most side effects of BELLA Hexal are not serious. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, which may decrease with continued use. Less common are abdominal cramps and bloating, bleeding between periods which usually disappears with the first three months of pill taking, weight gain, breast tenderness, vaginal infection and depression.

In predisposed women, use of the tablets can sometimes cause brownish patches on the face which are made worse by long exposure to the sun. Women who have this tendency should therefore avoid spending too long in the sun.

In individual cases poor tolerance of contact lenses has been reported.

You should immediately stop using BELLA Hexal and immediately consult your doctor if you experience:

• migraine headaches for the first time

• more frequent unusually severe headaches

• disturbance of hearing or vision (for example flickering in front of the eyes)

• first signs of blood clots in the leg (for example unusual pains or swelling of the leg) or chest (stabbing pains on breathing or coughing for no apparent reason)

• a feeling of pain or tightness in the chest

• pending operation (six weeks beforehand)

• immobilization (for example following accidents)

• onset of jaundice, hepatitis or generalized itching

• increase in epileptic seizures

• Pregnancy.

Your doctor will probably advise you to stop using BELLA Hexal if a significant rise in your blood pressure is detected.

Should you have any questions on the use of BELLA Hexal you should discuss these with your doctor.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Don't let anyone else take your medicines.