Dianette

• Dianette is a form of the combined oral contraceptive pill
• The hormones contained within it can help to treat skin conditions including acne
• Dianette may not be suitable for you if you cannot take combined contraceptive pills
• Dianette is less frequently prescribed for contraceptive purposes only
• Dianette is the trade name, and it contains the active ingredients cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Oily skin and acne can be caused by the body producing too much of the hormones known as androgens. Androgens can increase the amount of sebum (a greasy substance) that the skin glands produce. The glands can then become blocked and infected, leading to flare ups of acne. These flare ups can be painful, but may also make you feel self-conscious.

Dianette contains hormones that reduce the amount of androgen the body produces. It can also reduce the effect that any remaining androgen has on your skin, helping the condition to clear up.

Dianette can also be prescribed for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The hormones in Dianette help to reduce acne and any excessive facial hair, as well as helping to regulate your periods. 

When taken for contraceptive purposes, Dianette works to prevent a pregnancy by preventing ovulation and making it more difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus. 

Dianette is taken for 21 days in a row. You should then have a 7 day break where no pills are taken.

During this 7 day break it is likely that you will have a withdrawal bleed that is like a period. 

You should begin your next strip of 21 pills at the end of the 7 day break, and then keep to this 28 day cycle. 

Dianette contains 2 milligrams of cyproterone acetate and 35 micrograms ethinylestradiol which mimic the body’s natural oestrogen and progesterone.

One tablet is taken each day for 21 days, followed by a 7 day break. This cycle then continues.

Like many oral contraceptive pills, Dianette can cause some side effects.

The most common side effect is weight gain, and this is mostly due to water retention. If weight gain occurs, you will need to decide whether the benefits of taking Dianette are worth the weight gain you are experiencing.

Other common side effects include:

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Stomach ache
• Headache
• Mood swings or low mood
• Sore breasts.

When taking a combined oral contraceptive pill, there is an increased risk of more serious complications including:

• Blood clots to the legs – seek medical advice immediately if you experience a painful, red or swollen leg
• Blood clots to the lungs – seek help immediately if you experience breathlessness, chest pain or cough up any blood
• Severe depression including thoughts of suicide – tell your doctor straight away if this occurs.

Combined contraceptives can increase the risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer. If you have a history of either of these, or have a family member who has been diagnosed with either type of cancer, then Dianette may not be the right choice for you.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Dianette is not suitable for everyone. Women who take Dianette will need regular check-ups with their doctor to check that it is not causing any harm.

In particular, Dianette may not be suitable for women who:

• Have had breast or cervical cancer
• Have a close relative who has been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
• Have had a blood clot
• Have a close relative who has had a blood clot
• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Are overweight
• Have migraines
• Have sickle cell disease
• Have lupus
• Have liver disease
• Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

There may be other women for whom Dianette may not be suitable, and that’s why during your Consultation with EU Meds a prescriber will look at your health questionnaire to ensure you receive the best medication for your individual health requirements.

A prescriber from EU Meds will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Dianette will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, you can order Dianette online for home delivery.