Dianette
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Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Dianette Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
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. NowPatient 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?
You can buy Dianette safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
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 NowPatient.
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 on 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.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Dianette
What is Dianette?
Dianette is a combined hormonal medication containing cyproterone acetate 2 mg and ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms. It is primarily licensed in the UK for the treatment of severe acne that has not responded to oral antibiotics, and for moderately severe hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women of childbearing age. While Dianette also provides effective contraceptive protection, it is not licensed solely as a contraceptive and should not be used purely for birth control. It is manufactured by Bayer and is a prescription-only medicine.
How does Dianette work?
Dianette works through two mechanisms. Cyproterone acetate is a potent anti-androgen that blocks the effects of male hormones (androgens) at the skin and hair follicles, reducing sebum production (which causes acne) and suppressing excessive hair growth. Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic oestrogen that, together with cyproterone acetate, suppresses ovulation, providing contraceptive protection. The combination also increases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), further reducing the amount of free androgens in the blood. Improvement in acne typically takes 3–6 months.
Is Dianette the same as a contraceptive pill?
Although Dianette provides effective contraceptive protection equivalent to a combined oral contraceptive, it is not licensed as a contraceptive. It is licensed specifically for the treatment of severe acne and moderately severe hirsutism in women. This distinction is important because Dianette carries a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared to standard combined pills. MHRA guidance states that Dianette should be withdrawn 3–4 cycles after the condition has resolved, and patients should be switched to a standard combined pill if ongoing contraception is needed.
How do I take Dianette?
Take one Dianette tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free break during which you will usually have a withdrawal bleed. Start the next pack after the 7-day break, whether or not bleeding has finished. Take the tablet at approximately the same time each day with water. If starting Dianette for the first time, begin on day 1 of your period for immediate protection. If switching from another combined pill, start the day after your last active pill.
How long should I take Dianette for acne?
Dianette should be used for the shortest time necessary to treat your acne or hirsutism. MHRA guidance recommends that Dianette should be withdrawn 3–4 complete cycles after the condition has completely resolved. Your prescriber should regularly review whether continued treatment is necessary, typically at least every 6 months. If your acne returns after stopping Dianette, your doctor may restart it for another course. Long-term use should be avoided due to the elevated VTE risk compared to standard contraceptive pills.
What are the common side effects of Dianette?
Common side effects of Dianette (affecting 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people) include headache, breast tenderness or enlargement, mood changes (including depression), nausea, abdominal pain, weight changes, and changes to vaginal discharge. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting may occur in the first few months. Reduced libido is also commonly reported. These side effects often improve within the first 2–3 months as the body adjusts to the hormones.
Does Dianette increase the risk of blood clots?
Yes, Dianette carries a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than most standard combined oral contraceptives. Studies suggest the risk is approximately 1.5–2 times higher than pills containing levonorgestrel with ethinylestradiol (such as Microgynon 30). The absolute risk remains low — approximately 9–12 per 10,000 women per year compared to 5–7 per 10,000 for levonorgestrel-containing pills and 2 per 10,000 for women not using hormonal contraception. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, immobility, age over 35, and family history of VTE. This is why Dianette should only be used for its licensed dermatological indications and not solely for contraception.
Can I take other acne treatments with Dianette?
Dianette should NOT be taken with other hormonal contraceptives. For acne, it can be used alongside topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, or topical retinoids. However, Dianette should not be combined with oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) as both carry VTE risk and isotretinoin requires effective contraception — a standard combined pill or other reliable method is preferred in this situation. Topical and oral antibiotics for acne can generally be used alongside Dianette. Discuss any combination treatments with your prescriber.
Who should not take Dianette?
Dianette should not be taken by women with a current or past history of VTE, arterial thrombosis, stroke, or heart attack. It is contraindicated in women with liver disease or liver tumours, breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or severe hypertension. Women aged over 35 who smoke should not take Dianette. Those with migraine with aura, diabetes with vascular complications, or a BMI over 35 should also avoid it. Dianette must not be used with other hormonal contraceptives. Your prescriber will assess your suitability before prescribing.
How can I get a prescription for Dianette?
Dianette is available on NHS prescription from your GP or dermatologist, or through private prescribing services such as NowPatient. Your prescriber will assess your acne severity, medical history, and risk factors for blood clots before prescribing. They should also discuss when to review and stop treatment. NowPatient offers an online consultation process where a qualified UK prescriber can evaluate your suitability and issue a prescription with convenient delivery to your door.
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