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Co-Cyprindiol
Co-Cyprindiol (generic Dianette) is a prescription medicine containing cyproterone and ethinylestradiol. It is typically used as an acne treatment but can also be used as a form of contraceptive.
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Next Day Delivery
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Plain & Discreet Packaging
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Confidential Service
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UK registered service
Co-Cyprindiol Prices
| Medicine | x3 x 21 Tablets (3 Month Course) |
|---|---|
| Co-Cyprindiol 2000/35mcg x 21 Tablets (3 Month Course) | £24.99 |
Buy co-cyprindiol online
You are able to buy Co-cyprindiol online by filling out a brief medical questionnaire. These questions help our UK registered prescribers to determine whether it is medically appropriate for you to receive a prescription. All treatments are dispatched in plain and discreet packaging, with next day delivery options available.
About co-cyprindiol
Key points:
- Helps treat moderate to severe hormonal acne and/or hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
- You should see noticeable changes in your skin after 6 months.
- Taken once daily for 21 days with a 7 day break
What is co-cyprindiol?
Co-cyprindiol is a contraceptive pill used to treat moderate-to-severe acne caused by hormonal changes. This contraceptive pill contains a combination of ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate. Co-cyprindiol is available for purchase online offering a convenient solution for hormonal acne.
While co-cyprindiol is an effective contraceptive pill, it is not primarily prescribed for this purpose alone. It is reserved for those who require treatment for hormonal acne and wish to take an oral contraceptive.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.
How does Co-cyprindiol work?
Co-cyprindiol for acne
Co-cyprindiol works by regulating hormone changes that lead to acne breakouts. Cyproterone acetate helps decrease your body's production of androgens, which are responsible for generating sebum, a sticky, oily substance the body produces that leads to blocked pores and acne. Another benefit is that androgens contribute to increased hair growth, so lowering their levels can help decrease unwanted body hair.
Co-cyprindiol for contraception
Co-cyprindiol prevents ovulation. This means that sperm cannot fertilise an egg. Co-cyprindiol also thickens mucus in the womb, making it difficult for sperm to pass through.
Co-cyprindiol dosage instructions
How should you take co-cyprindiol?
- If you are new to taking co-cyprindiol or restarting after a break, begin your first tablet on the initial day of your period.
- Start with the tablet marked with the corresponding day of the week that aligns with the start of your menstrual cycle. For example, if your period starts on a Wednesday, commence with the pill labelled “Wed.”
- After the first pill, take one pill daily, following the arrow directions, until you complete all 21 pills in the pack.
- Aim to take the pill at the same time every day, preferably after breakfast, and swallow each pill whole with water.
- After the 21 tablets, take a break of 7 days without any pills. A few days after the last pill, your period will occur. Expect regular, lighter, and mostly painless periods. Symptoms like premenstrual syndrome usually diminish.
- If you've taken the pills correctly and start the next pack on time, the 7-day pill-free break significantly reduces the chance of pregnancy.
- Begin your next pack after the 7-day break, regardless of whether you are still bleeding. Each new pack should start on the same day of the week as the previous one, simplifying the routine to remember when to restart.
Important note: Medication should be kept out of sight and reach of children, away from direct light and heat, and stored in a cool and dry place For more information, please read the patient information leaflet.
What if I forget to take a co-cyprindiol pill?
Late by 12 Hours or Less:
If you have missed taking one pill and it is within a 12-hour window your contraceptive protection remains intact by promptly taking the missed pill and continuing with the subsequent pills as scheduled.
More than 12 Hours Late or missed multiple pills:
Should you be over 12 hours late or miss more than one pill your contraceptive protection might diminish.
In this scenario you should:
- Take the most recently forgotten pill and maintain your regular schedule with subsequent pills.
- Incorporate an additional contraceptive method (like condoms or a spermicide cap) for the subsequent 7 days.
- If your current pack ends before these 7 days, start the next pack immediately without a gap. Take a pill every day during your usual 7-day pill-free period. You won't have a period until completing the next pack, which is safe. Some bleeding on pill-taking days might occur, which isn't alarming.
- If there's no bleeding during the 7-day break after this next pack, refer to the section titled "What to do if you miss a period." in the patient information leaflet.
Co-cyprindiol ingredients
Active ingredients: cyproterone acetate (2 milligrams) and ethinylestradiol (35 micrograms).
Inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, purified talc, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, propylene glycol, titanium dioxide (E171), and quinoline yellow (E104).
Whilst the active ingredient will remain the same, the inactive ingredients may differ amongst brands. You should read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication, for a full list of ingredients.
Co-cyprindiol side effects
Similar to any medication, Co-cyprindiol tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone may encounter them.
Side effects of co-cyprindiol include:
Common - affecting up to 10% of users:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Depressed mood
- Altered mood
- Breast pain or tenderness
Uncommon - affecting up to 1% of users:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fluid retention
- Migraines
- Decreased libido
- Enlargement of breast tissue
- Rash or hives
Rare – affecting up to 0.1% of users:
- Intolerance to contact lenses
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Weight loss
- Increased libido
- Vaginal or breast discharge
- Painful red nodules or bullseye skin rash
- Blood vessel obstruction (thromboembolism)
Should you notice any of the following symptoms, discontinue the tablets and seek urgent medical assistance:
- Severe chest pains extending to the left arm
- Severe pain or swelling in the arms or legs
- Intense abdominal pain
- Numbness or weakness in any body part
- Breathlessness
- Sudden and unusual coughing, especially if accompanied by blood
- Dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness
- Partial or complete vision loss, double vision, or slurred speech
- Unexpected changes in hearing, smell, or taste
- Unusual, severe, or persistent headaches, or worsening migraines
- Marked elevation in blood pressure
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Increased frequency of seizures
- Severe depression
For a full list of side effects, read the patient information leaflet and inform your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any.
Co-cyprindiol warnings
You should not use co-cyprindiol if:
- You are currently using another form of hormonal contraceptive.
- You have hepatitis C and are undergoing treatment involving ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, or dasabuvir.
- You have allergies to ethinylestradiol, cyproterone acetate, or any other ingredients present in Co-cyprindiol
- You are pregnant or at risk of pregnancy
- You have breastfeeding
- You have a history or family history of blood clots
- You have a history or family history of heart disease or stroke
- You have conditions that put you at an increased risk of having a blood clot such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- You have a history of migraines accompanied by visual disturbances.
- You have sickle cell anaemia
- You have a history or family history of blood pressure or cervical cancer
- You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- You have a history or jaundice
- You have liver problems
- Experience of certain conditions during pregnancy such as:
- Generalised itching during pregnancy
- Blister-like rash, particularly on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands.
- Hearing impairment
- Jaundice
Important note: You should always disclose your full medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, so that they can ensure treatment is safe for you to take.
Co-cyprindiol alternatives
Yasmin is sometimes recommended as an acne treatment and works similarly to Co-cyprindiol by controlling sebum generation, effectively supporting the control and handling of acne.
It is unlikely that Co-Cyprindiol can cause your periods to stop. In the 7-day pill-free week you should experience bleeding. If you don’t, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist, or take a pregnancy test as you may be pregnant.
It is unlikely that Co-Cyprindiol will make acne worse. This medication exerts an anti-androgenic effect that can help in clearing up your skin when acne is caused by androgen hormone (hormonal acne).
Hormonal contraceptives can cause fluid retention and some weight gain. This side effect may not be experienced by all women taking the medication.
Co-Cyprindiol is an effective hormonal contraceptive if taken exactly as directed and at the same time each day but it should not be used for the sole purpose of contraception as there are other better options. Co-Cyprindiol is typically prescribed to women suffering moderate-severe acne and/or hirsutism who wish to take a contraceptive.
Co-Cyprindiol must NOT be used if you have (or had) migraines with visual disturbances such as seeing blind spots, light flashes, and feeling of tingling in hands and feet. If you experience severe, sudden headaches or worsening of migraine you should stop taking Co-Cyprindiol immediately and contact your physician or pharmacist.
Co-Cyprindiol can cause depressed and altered mood (see side effects above) as with all hormonal contraceptives. Talk to your physician or pharmacist if you experience mood changes or depressive symptoms.
Summary For Co-Cyprindiol
| Medication Class | Anti-androgens |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Cyproterone works by reducing the production and actions of androgens |
| Active ingredient | Cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol |
| Strength | 2000/35mcg |
| Effective within | 7 days |
| Dosage Instructions | Take ONE tablet DAILY for 21 days, starting on day 1 of cycle; followed by 7-day break. |
| Manufacturer | Almus, Kent Pharma, Morning side |
| Use with alcohol | No known interaction |
OTHER OPTIONS INCLUDE
Dianette (also available as a generic medication called co-cyprindiol) is a prescription treatment for acne but can also be used as a contraceptive treatment in some cases. It contains the active ingredients cyproterone and ethinylestradiol.
Desogestrel is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POP), which prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix, preventing sperm from reaching an egg. It also delays ovulation.
Yasmin is a combined contraceptive pill containing the active ingredients drospiernone and ethinylestradiol. These synthetic hormones work to prevent ovulation and make it difficult for sperm to enter the womb.
Microgynon is a combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains the synthetic hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. It works by preventing ovulation, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. One tablet should be taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7 day break. It is also available as an ED (every day) version, which should be taken daily.
Cerazette is a progesterone only contraceptive pill, also known as the mini pill. It contains the active ingredient desogestrel, which works to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. It should be taken continuously without a break.
Rigevidon is a combined contraceptive pill. It contains the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. They work together to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, as well as thickening the mucus in the womb. This makes it difficult for sperm to enter and fertilise an egg, preventing pregnancy.
Hana is a contraceptive pill, available to buy over the counter. It is a progesterone only pill, also known as the mini pill and contains the active ingredient, desogestrel. It works by stopping ovulation and thickening the mucus in the womb, to prevent sperm reaching an egg.
Marvelon is a combined oral contraceptive pill which contains the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. These hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg, and also work to thicken the fluid in the cervix making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb.
Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive pill which contains the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and desogestrel, which are naturally occuring hormones that prevent eggs being released from the ovaries.
Noriday is a progesterone only contraceptive pill, also known as the mini-pill. It is commonly used by women who are unable to take the combined pill.
Gedarel is a combined oral contraceptive pill which contains the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and desogestrel, which are synthetic versions of female sex hormones oestrogen and progestogen. Gedarel contains the same active ingredients as Marvelon and Mercilon.
Femodene is a combined oral contraceptive which contains two active ingredients, ethinylestradiol and gestodene. They mimic the naturally occuring female sex hormones oestrogen and progestogen.
Logynon is a combined oral contraceptive pill which contains the active ingredients levonorgestrel and oestrogen ethinylestradiol which are artificial versions of naturally occuring female sex hormones, progestegen and oestrogen.
Millinette is a combined oral contraceptive pill which contains the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and gestodene. It is available in two different strengths, both containing 75mcg of gestodene and either 20mcg or 30mcg of ethinylestradiol.
Femodette is a combined oral contraceptive pill which contains the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and gestodene which are artificial versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones oestrogen and progestogen.
Cerelle is a progestogen only contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as a mini pill. It contains the active ingredient desogestrel, which is an artificial version of the female sex hormone progesterone. It is also available as a branded medication under the name Cerazette.
Cilest is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and norgestimate. These are synthetic hormones which mimic the action of naturally occurring hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
Loestrin is a combined oral contraceptive which contains the active ingredients ethinylestradiol and norethisterone. These are synthetic versions of the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone which work to prevent ovulation.
Ovranette is a combined oral contraceptive pill and contains the same active ingredients as Microgynon and Logynon.
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