Dianette

Dianette is a hormonal medication used to treat medium severe to severe acne and hirsutism in women. Whilst Dianette also acts like a combined oral contraceptive pill, it is not recommended to use just for contraception. The combination of Dianette’s active ingredients (cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol) make it an effective treatment for acne and abnormal hair growth (excessive body and facial hair). This treatment is only recommended to patients whose acne has not responded to creams or other agents (e.g. antibiotics).

Severe forms of acne in women are usually triggered by an excess of male hormones (androgens). An overconcentration of androgens will stimulate hair growth and oil-producing (sebaceous) glands in the skin. When this happens the glands can more easily be blocked with oily substance (sebum), leading to infection and acne.

Ethinylestradiol and cyproterone are the active ingredients in Dianette, which reduce the amount of androgens produced by the body, helping to clear the skin.

Dianette uses the synthetic hormones oestrogen and progesterone in combination to also prevent pregnancy and regulate periods. Therefore, those trying to conceive should be aware that Dianette also has a contraceptive effect. It is not recommended to use Dianette soley for contraceptive reasons.

Each tablet contains 2 milligrams of cyproterone acetate and 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol. A tablet should be swallowed whole with water once daily, at around the same time.

A blister pack contains 21 tablets, which are taken consecutively. There is then a seven-day pill break, at which point a withdrawal bleed occurs, which is similar to your usual menstrual bleed.

If a dose is missed, it should be made up within 12 hours. Two tablets should not be taken at the same time or else the maximum daily dose would be exceeded. The efficacy of Dianette is not guaranteed for more than 12 hours after a missed dose. If the medication is also being used for its contraceptive effects, alternatives such as condoms are advised.

Visible results can appear after a few weeks, but the minimum duration of treatment should be for at least three months. After three months, you will need to be assessed by a doctor to decide if treatment needs to be continued. If so, then reassments will occur quarterly. Once treatment is successful, a woman wishing to continue benefiting from the contraceptive properties of Dianette should switch to an alternate medication.

There is always a risk of side effects when using prescription medication, such as Dianette. However, this treatment is well-tolerated, side effects are very rare and, if they occur, tend to be mild. The most common of these are changes in menstrual bleeding, headaches, feeling sick and an upset stomach.

Less common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, weight fluctuation, decreased libido, gallstones and increased blood pressure.

Dianette also slightly increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) therefore it is essential that you are aware of the symptoms, they include; loss of breath, slurred speech, pain in the chest or legs, blurred vision, and dizziness.

It has also been reported that Dianette can cause mood swings or depression. In the rare case that depression occurs, it is important that you notify somebody. You should speak to your doctor immediately if you feel this medication is affecting you negatively as a more suitable alternative may be available.

This treatment can be taken by women over the age of 18 if they are suffering from severe acne or hirsutism. You must not take Dianette if you are taking other oral contraceptives.

It should also be noted that Dianette is not a first-line treatment for acne and should only be used once milder alternatives (such as creams and antibiotics) have proven ineffective.

There are also a number of conditions that make Dianette unsuitable for certain women. In particular, those who have a prior history of blood clots or diseases involving the blood.

Other limitations that may preclude use:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are allergic to any of the active ingredients in Dianette
• have heart or liver problems
• have had a stroke
• have high blood pressure
• have high cholesterol or diabetes
• are over the age of 35
• suffer from unexplained vaginal bleeding
• suffer from severe migraines
• smoke and/or are overweight

If you suffer from any other medical condition or are taking any other supplements or medication, you should inform us during the consultation period.

Dianette blister pill packs are available to buy online here at HealthExpress after you have completed a confidential online consultation. Once your consultation is complete, it will be examined by one of our doctors who can prescribe this treatment if it is suitable. You can then place your order and our pharmacy will dispatch your Dianette pills for next day delivery anywhere in the UK.