Dianette Co-Cyprindiol

When Contraception and Skin Health Intersect

Acne can affect women at any age and, when it is persistent or severe, it can have a significant impact on confidence and quality of life. For women who also need contraception, a treatment that addresses both needs simultaneously may be worth exploring. Dianette is a combined hormonal tablet containing ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate, licensed in the UK for the treatment of androgen-dependent conditions in women, including moderate to severe acne and hirsutism (unwanted facial or body hair). It also provides effective contraception as a consequence of its hormonal action.

It is important to understand from the outset that Dianette is not a standard contraceptive pill. It is a medicine licensed for the treatment of androgen-dependent conditions, and its contraceptive effect is secondary to its primary therapeutic purpose. Current UK guidance, including NHS and MHRA advice, recommends that it should not be used solely for contraception when another method would be suitable. A prescriber will assess whether it is the right choice for your individual circumstances.

Dianette is a film-coated tablet manufactured by Bayer plc. Each tablet contains two active ingredients: ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms and cyproterone acetate 2 milligrams. Cyproterone acetate is an anti-androgen, meaning it blocks the effects of male hormones (androgens) in the body. Ethinylestradiol is a synthetic oestrogen. Together, these two components address the hormonal activity that drives androgen-dependent conditions such as acne and hirsutism, whilst also suppressing ovulation.

Co-cyprindiol is the generic name for tablets containing the same combination of active ingredients: cyproterone acetate 2mg and ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms. Several branded and unbranded versions are available in the UK, including Clairette. All are considered clinically equivalent by FSRH and NHS prescribing guidance.

Pharmacy Planet stocks multiple versions of this combination. Available options include Dianette (63 and 126 tablets), Clairette (63 and 126 tablets), and co-cyprindiol (63 and 126 tablets). A 63-tablet pack provides a three-month supply, and a 126-tablet pack provides a six-month supply.

Anti-Androgenic Action: Addressing Acne at Its Hormonal Root

Androgens are hormones found in all women, though in lower amounts than in men. In some women, elevated or sensitised androgen activity stimulates the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce excess sebum. Cyproterone acetate works by blocking androgen receptors, reducing the hormonal signal that drives sebum overproduction. Over time, this leads to a reduction in acne lesions and, in some women, a reduction in unwanted hair growth.

Contraceptive Action: Suppressing Ovulation

The ethinylestradiol component works alongside cyproterone acetate to suppress ovulation through the same hormonal mechanism as other combined oral contraceptives. It acts on the pituitary gland to inhibit the release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone, preventing egg release.

Cycle Regulation

As a combined hormonal tablet taken on a 21-day cycle, Dianette and co-cyprindiol also regulate the menstrual cycle. Women typically experience lighter, more predictable withdrawal bleeds during the seven-day tablet-free interval.

Duration of Effect on Skin

Improvement in acne is not immediate. Clinical response typically begins to become apparent after two to three months of treatment, and the full benefit is usually seen after three to four cycles. Current NHS and MHRA guidance recommends that treatment should be reviewed after the skin condition has been controlled, and discontinued three to four cycles after the condition has resolved.

Starting Treatment

Your prescriber will advise on the most appropriate starting day based on your circumstances. The standard guidance is:

• Begin on the first day of your period. This provides contraceptive protection from the very first tablet.
• If you start on days two to five of your cycle, you will need to use additional contraception such as condoms for the first seven days.
• If you are switching from another combined pill, start Dianette the day after your last active pill. You remain protected immediately.

The 21-Day Cycle

Take one tablet every day for 21 consecutive days at the same time each day. After completing the 21-day course, take a seven-day break. During this break, you will usually experience a withdrawal bleed. Start your next pack of 21 tablets after the seven-day break, regardless of whether any bleeding has stopped. The tablet-free interval must not exceed seven days.

• Swallow each tablet whole with water.
• Take tablets at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels.
• If you vomit within two hours of taking a tablet, or have severe diarrhoea, treat it as a missed pill.

Missed Pills

• Fewer than 24 hours late: take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and continue as normal. You remain protected.
• More than 24 hours late: take the missed tablet immediately and take the next at your usual time, even if this means two tablets in one day. Use additional contraception for the next seven days.
• If you missed tablets in the first week of your pack and had unprotected sex in the preceding seven days, contact your prescriber or pharmacist about emergency contraception.

Tablet Composition

• Each tablet: cyproterone acetate 2mg and ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms.
• Taken on a 21-day active, 7-day break cycle.

Products and Pack Sizes Available Through Pharmacy Planet

• Dianette – 63 tablets (three-month supply).
• Dianette – 126 tablets (six-month supply).
• Clairette – 63 tablets (three-month supply).
• Clairette – 126 tablets (six-month supply).
• Co-cyprindiol – 63 tablets (three-month supply).
• Co-cyprindiol – 126 tablets (six-month supply).

All products listed above contain the same active ingredients at the same doses. The prescriber and pharmacist will advise on which version to dispense based on availability and clinical appropriateness at the time of prescribing.

Duration of Treatment

Dianette and co-cyprindiol are not intended for indefinite use as a routine contraceptive. Current MHRA guidance advises that treatment should be reviewed once the skin condition is under control, with stopping considered three to four cycles after resolution, transitioning to a standard contraceptive if ongoing birth control is needed.

Dianette and co-cyprindiol share the same side effect profile because they contain the same active ingredients. The following is a summary based on current UK SmPC data. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medication in full before beginning treatment.

Important: Dianette / co-cyprindiol carries a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than some other combined oral contraceptives. Your prescriber will assess your individual risk before considering a prescription. Do not take this medicine if you have a personal history of blood clots.

Common side effects:

• Nausea, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment.
• Breast tenderness or changes in breast fullness.
• Headache.
• Mood changes, including low mood or irritability.
• Changes in libido.
• Irregular spotting or changes in bleeding pattern, especially in the first few cycles.
• Weight changes.

Serious side effects – seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg, particularly the calf.
• Sudden severe headache, visual disturbance, weakness in the face, arm, or leg, or difficulty speaking.
• Severe abdominal pain, which may indicate a liver problem or ectopic pregnancy.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

VTE risk – what you need to know: all combined oral contraceptives carry a small increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared with women not using hormonal contraception. The risk with co-cyprindiol is considered to be higher than with levonorgestrel-containing pills and broadly similar to desogestrel-containing combined pills. Your prescriber will assess your individual risk factors including BMI, smoking status, family history, and personal medical history before prescribing.

Important drug interactions: enzyme-inducing medicines can reduce the effectiveness of Dianette and co-cyprindiol. These include:

• Rifampicin and rifabutin.
• Antiepileptic medicines including phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital.
• St John's Wort.
• Certain HIV medicines.

This medicine is not suitable if you:

• Have or have ever had a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or arterial thrombosis).
• Have or have ever had a stroke or heart attack.
• Have migraine with aura.
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Have liver disease, liver tumours, or a history of jaundice related to hormonal contraceptive use.
• Have or have ever had breast cancer or another oestrogen-sensitive cancer.
• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding.
• Are a smoker aged 35 or over.
• Have diabetes with vascular complications.
• Need contraception only, with no androgen-dependent condition present.

This medicine may be appropriate if you:

• Have moderate to severe acne that has not responded adequately to topical treatments or oral antibiotics.
• Have hirsutism (unwanted facial or body hair) driven by excess androgen activity.
• Also require contraception, so that the dual-purpose contraceptive effect of this treatment is clinically relevant to you.
• Have no contraindications to oestrogen-containing contraception.
• Are not a smoker or are a non-smoking woman under the age of 35.

Use with caution if you:

• Have a family history of blood clots in a first degree relative under the age of 50.
• Have a BMI above 30.
• Have a history of depression.
• Have had elevated blood pressure in the past, including during pregnancy.
• Have a history of migraines without aura.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered UK online pharmacy. All prescriptions for Dianette and co-cyprindiol are issued through a genuine clinical consultation with a registered prescriber. Because of the specific licensed indications and the VTE risk profile of this medicine, the consultation process is particularly important.

1. Complete a Structured Medical Questionnaire

This covers your skin condition, general health, medical history, family history of blood clots and cardiovascular disease, smoking status, BMI, and all medicines you currently take.

2. Clinical Review

A registered prescriber reviews your consultation individually, assessing whether this medicine is clinically appropriate for your specific circumstances, including the presence of an androgen-dependent condition and your personal risk factors for VTE.

3. Prescription or Alternative Advice

A prescription is issued only if the prescriber determines that Dianette or co-cyprindiol is the appropriate treatment for you at this time. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.

4. Dispatch and Repeat Supply

If a prescription is issued, your medication is dispensed and dispatched by our pharmacy team. Repeat supply also requires a consultation, enabling the prescriber to review whether continued treatment remains appropriate.

• Store below 25°C.
• Keep tablets in the original blister packaging.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack.
• Return unused tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste.

This reference guide compares the contraceptive preparations available at Pharmacy Planet, grouped by delivery method and formulation type. Every preparation is a Prescription Only Medicine. A registered prescriber will review your individual health profile, contraceptive history, and risk factors before recommending any preparation.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

Pharmacy Planet is a registered UK online pharmacy regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council. We provide a clinically responsible route to prescription medicines, including treatments for androgen-dependent conditions such as acne. Our process is built around genuine clinical assessment, not automated supply.

Our prescribers review every consultation individually. For a medicine with the specific licensed indications and risk profile of Dianette and co-cyprindiol, this individual assessment is especially important. If the medicine is not appropriate for you, your prescriber will tell you.

You can verify our GPhC registration at any time via pharmacyregulation.org. The EU common logo displayed on our website confirms our status as a legitimate, verified UK online pharmacy authorised to dispense prescription medicines. Our pharmacy team is available for questions before, during, and after your consultation.

References

1. Bayer plc. Dianette film-coated tablets — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed May 2026.
2. MHRA. Co-cyprindiol: updated guidance on risk of venous thromboembolism. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency. Accessed May 2026.
3. Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH). Co-cyprindiol and androgenic conditions — Clinical Guidance. Available at: www.fsrh.org. Accessed May 2026.
4. British National Formulary (BNF). Cyproterone with ethinylestradiol. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
5. NHS. Acne — treatment. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment. Accessed May 2026.