DIANETTE ®
Treatment options
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The MHRA's reporting program for suspected side effects to medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes, medical device incidents, defective or falsified (fake) products to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to ensure safe and effective use.
Learn more about reporting side effectsOther known brand names
Yasmin, Lucette
About Dianette
Dianette contains the progestogen (anti-androgen) cyproterone acetate and the oestrogen ethinylestradiol as the active ingredients. Dianette is given as a 21 day pill, followed by a 7 day pill free period for each monthly menstrual cycle.
Dianette is commonly prescribed to treat skin conditions such as severe acne, and excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women of a reproductive age. Androgens stimulate hair growth and grease glands in your skin. If you make too much androgen, or are sensitive to androgen, the grease glands may produce excessive sebum, which can block the grease glands, causing them to become inflamed and infected and cause acne. Dianette helps to stop androgens affecting your skin and reduces the amount of androgens produced.
Dianette is also a combined oral contraceptive pill, but is not available free on the NHS as a contraceptive. Dianette is available with a prescription as generic co-cyprindiol or under the brand name Dianette. Now Patient offers Dianette as a treatment for acne only, following an online consultation with a prescriber.
Key facts of Dianette
- For the treatment of severe acne
- Dianette has some common side effects which include stomach pain, weight gain, headaches, and mood swings
- It can be dangerous if you take Dianette with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- Dianette is a contraceptive and should only be prescribed if your doctor considers
the hormonal contraceptive treatment to be appropriate - Dianette should only be taken if other acne treatments have not succesfully treated your skin condition
- You should stop taking Dianette when your skin condition has cleared up
Who is Dianette suitable for?
Dianette is suitable for most healthy women.
Who is Dianette not suitable for?
Dianette may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Dianette if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are over 35 years of age, and smoke, or stopped smoking less than a year ago
- Have a BMI of more than 35
- Have had blood clots in your leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Have a higher risk of blood clots
- Have had a heart attack, stroke, or angina
- Have very high blood pressure
- Have severe diabetes
- Have an increased risk of breast cancer
- Have liver problems
- Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
How and where to get Dianette?
Dianette is available from a number of sources. It is available on prescription or over the counter at a pharmacy.
Now Patient does not allow customers to buy Dianette directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of severe acne, you can discuss if Dianette is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by Now Patient.
Dosage and strength for Dianette for severe acne
Dianette tablets come in a pack marked with days of the week. The typical dose of Dianette is one pill a day for 21 days, followed by a 7 day break.
Information about how to take Dianette for severe acne
During your 7 day pill free break you will usually have a withdrawal bleed similar to your normal period. You should start the next pack after the 7 pill-free days are over even if you are still having the breakthrough bleeding. Read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication or speak to your healthcare provider for further medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Dianette?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Dianette and you experience any side effects.
What are the side effects of Dianette?
Side effects of Dianette are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Fluid retention
- Breast enlargement
- Skin rash
Serious side effects include:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Breast cancer
- Cancer of the cervix
- Blood clots
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication?
Information about taking Dianette at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Dianette. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Why might Dianette not work for acne?
If, after 6 months, your acne has not improved by taking Dianette, you should speak with your health care provider for further advice.
Can Dianette taken for acne be taken long term?
Dianette can take a few months to clear up your acne. You must to stop Dianette after your skin has gotten better. If you still need to take a contraceptive your healthcare provider will prescribe you an alternative pill.
Is there a herbal Dianette?
No. Herbal Dianette does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Dianette?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Dianette.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with acne?
You modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, and this may have a positive impact on your skin:
- Reduce stress
- Get good quality sleep
- Exercise
- Good hygiene
- Eat healthy
- Apply sunscreen
Alternatives to Dianette
Alternatives for the treatment of acne include Duac gel, Treclin gel, Epiduo gel, oxytetracycline, and lymecycline.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information in this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Important Information
What is dianette pill used for?
Why was dianette banned?
Is dianette a good contraceptive?
Is dianette better than Yasmin?
Is dianette prescription only?
What contraceptive pill is best for acne?
Is dianette good for hair loss?
Is dianette still prescribed in UK?
Is Yasmin safer than Dianette?
Can GP prescribe dianette?
What is the best contraceptive pill for acne UK?
What are the side effects of the dianette pill?
Which contraceptive pill is discontinued in the UK?
Can you still get dianette?
Which is the best pill for acne?
How long should you be on dianette for?
Can you drink alcohol on dianette?
Does dianette cause hair thinning?
Can you just stop taking dianette?
How long is it OK to be on the pill?
How many years can you stay on the pill?
Should you take the pill after 35?
How does dianette help PCOS?
What is the best pill to take for PCOS?
What pill is best with PCOS?
Can dianette cause infertility?
Does the pill actually help people with PCOS?
What are the pros and cons of the pill for PCOS?
Can dianette cause depression?
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