Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone
About Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is used to treat moderate to severe acne related to androgen sensitivity and/or hirsutism (excess hair growth) in women of reproductive age with PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome). It should be used only if your skin condition has not improved, even after topical or antibiotic treatment. Due to its contraceptive properties, it will only be prescribed for you if your doctor considers that treatment with a hormonal contraceptive is appropriate.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone contains Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone, which work by blocking the production of androgens (male hormones) in the ovaries. Thereby, it helps reduce acne and hair growth.
In some cases, Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone may cause nausea, abdominal pain, headache, weight gain and mood changes. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant, might be pregnant or breastfeeding. Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone inhibits ovulation and prevents conception; therefore, avoid using additional hormonal contraceptives whilst on treatment with Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone. Keep the doctor informed about your health conditions and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone
Medicinal Benefits
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone contains Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone used to treat signs of androgenisation in women. It is indicated in the treatment of moderate to severe acne related to androgen sensitivity and/or hirsutism (excess hair growth) in women of reproductive age. Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone works by blocking the production of androgens (male hormones) in the ovaries. Thereby, it helps reduce acne and hair growth.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Breast pain and tenderness
Drug Warnings
Do not use Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone if you are allergic to any of its components, if you are using another hormonal contraception, are pregnant, might be pregnant or breastfeeding, or have had breast cancer, blood circulation problems/blood clots, heart attack or stroke. Inform the doctor if you have high blood pressure/uncontrolled blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraine, severe liver disease, liver tumours, depression, diabetes, inflammation of the pancreas, chloasma (brown patches on the skin), angioedema or hepatitis. Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone may increase the risk of having blood clots; seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of blood clots (migraine/long-lasting headache, changes in your eye-sight, hearing or speech, severe pain in the abdomen, severe pain or swelling in legs, breathlessness, unusual sudden coughing, severe pain and tightness in the chest which may reach the left arm, dizziness/fainting, or sudden weakness/numbness).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anticonvulsants (primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate), anti-HIV (ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine), anti-fungal (griseofulvin), antimicrobial (rifampicin), sedatives or herbal remedy (St. John’s wort).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have/had blood clot problems, breast cancer, high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeEthinylestradiol+cyproterone is not recommended during pregnancy. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeEthinylestradiol+cyproterone is not recommended during lactation. Please consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedEthinylestradiol+cyproterone is unlikely to affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionEthinylestradiol+cyproterone may not be recommended for patients with severe liver disease. Please consult the doctor if you have liver problems.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor if you have kidney problems.
Children
cautionEthinylestradiol+cyproterone is not recommended for children. It is only indicated after menarche.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid processed food, milk and dairy products.
- Always wash off your makeup before sleeping. Avoid going to bed with makeup on.
- Exercise regularly and eat healthy food.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Protect your skin from sun damage by using sunscreen.
- Drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular check-ups whilst on treatment with Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone.
- Check your breasts and nipples every month and consult the doctor if you notice anything odd, such as lumps or dimpling of the skin.
- Inform the doctor that you are taking Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone if you are due to undergo any tests or surgery.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne vulgaris: Acne is a skin condition that involves papules (inflamed pimples), pustules (spots containing pus), erythema (skin redness), and tenderness. It mainly occurs on the face, back, and chest. Acne occurs due to plugging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells. Symptoms include pimples, bumps, and uninflamed blackheads.
Hirsutism: Hirsutism is unwanted male-pattern hair growth in women, which occurs due to excess male hormones called androgens. This causes excess amounts of stiff and pigmented hair on a woman’s face, back and chest.
FAQs
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of PCOS like acne related to androgen sensitivity and/or hirsutism (excess hair growth) in women of reproductive age.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone works by blocking the production of androgens (male hormones) in the ovaries. Â
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is also a hormonal contraceptive; it should not be used in combination with other hormonal contraceptives, as this will expose the patient to an excessive dose of hormones and is not necessary for effective contraception.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV or Chlamydia. Only condoms can help do this.
Avoid using sunbeds or sunlamps and prolonged sunbathing whilst on treatment with Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone as it might increase the chance of chloasma (patchy discolouration of the skin).
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is a combination medicine used to treat acne and hirsutism (excess hair growth) in women of reproductive age with PCOS.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone should be swallowed as a whole with water; do not crush or chew it. The dose will be determined by the doctor based on your condition.
If you miss a dose of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone, take it within the next 12 hours. If it has been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Repeat the dose if you have vomited within 3-4 hours of taking Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone. If it has been more than 4 hours, take the next dose at the scheduled time.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone also works as a contraceptive as it inhibits ovulation and prevents conception. Avoid using additional hormonal contraceptives whilst on treatment with Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone may cause nausea, abdominal pain, headache, weight gain and mood changes. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone starts working within a few weeks and you may notice improvement in 3-4 weeks.
