Overview snapshot and quick links
Diane 35, also referred to by its active name co-cyprindiol or sold as Dianette in some places, is an oral combined hormonal tablet that pairs an estrogen with a progestogen that has anti-androgen activity. It is effective for reducing androgen-driven problems such as acne, oily skin and excessive facial or body hair, and it also provides contraceptive protection when taken correctly. In UK clinical practice it is often reserved for dermatological clues indicating like acne or hirsutism when other care options have not delivered adequate results, rather than being chosen primarily as a contraceptive.
Jump directly to important sections: safety checks at Safety guidelines and risk controls verifications, common effects at Risk of ill effects, or annotations for legal use at Status in the eyes of the law of the United Kingdom and prescribing guidance.
Active substances and strength values
The product combines two active components:
- Cyproterone acetate 2 mg — a progestogen with anti-androgen properties that helps reduce acne and unwanted hair growth.
- Ethinylestradiol 35 micrograms (0.035 mg) — an estrogen that supports cycle control and contributes to contraceptive effectiveness.
These amounts are the commonly used formulation in packs typically supplied as 21 active tablets per course. See Dosing and administration basics for how packs are generally used.
Who may be offered this medicine
Prescribers tend to consider co-cyprindiol for adult patients where excess androgens are driving symptoms. Typical situations include:
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who have irregular menses combined with acne or hirsutism.
- Moderate to severe acne that has not responded to topical treatments or suitable oral antibiotics.
- Clinically significant hirsutism believed to be due to androgen excess.
Although it can act as contraception, Guidance materials in the United Kingdom usually recommends other combined contraceptives as first-line options when contraception is the main goal. For personalised advice see Status of legality of the United Kingdom and prescribing guidance.
Dosing procedures and administration
Follow the instructions given by your prescriber paired with the patient information leaflet. Typical administration is one tablet once daily, ideally taken at the same time each day. Standard packs often contain 21 active tablets followed by a seven day tablet-free interval, though prescribing clinicians may advise an a new possibility schedule for specific signals indicating.
- Swallow tablets whole with water; avoid chewing unless advised otherwise.
- If you change the time of day you take the tablet, ask your clinician about extra contraceptive protective measures.
- Do not stop treatment abruptly without consulting your prescriber, especially when treating acne, as symptoms may return.
For guidance on late or missed tablets consult If a tablet is missed or contact your pharmacy or prescriber for tailored instructions.
Inspections for safety and protective measures
A full medical assessment is important before starting co-cyprindiol. Common pre-treatment considerations include:
- The pregnancy and nursing period: do not use during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop and seek medical advice. Breastfeeding is generally a reason to avoid combined hormonal products unless specifically approved by a clinician.
- Liver disease: do not start with active or severe liver disease, liver tumours, or unexplained jaundice.
- Thromboembolic and cardiovascular risk: combined hormonal tablets increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. Smoking and age over 35 increase that risk further.
- Migraine: migraine with aura is usually a contraindication to combined pills.
- Metabolic and weight considerations: obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors may lead prescribers to prefer non-estrogen options.
Tell your clinician about any personal or family history of blood clots, stroke, heart disease or hormone-sensitive cancers before treatment. For more on conditions that make treatment unsuitable see Contraindicated situations and Alerts for Use.
Where use is contraindicated and Alerts for Use
Do not use Diane 35 (co-cyprindiol) if any of the following apply:
- Past or current venous or arterial thrombosis, for example deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, heart attack or stroke.
- Active hepatic disease that is severe, liver tumours, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Known or suspected hormone-dependent cancer, such as breast cancer.
- Migraine presenting with aura symptoms.
- Pregnancy or breast-feeding unless a clinician explicitly advises it.
- Heavy smoking combined with age 35 years or older, or other serious cardiovascular risk as judged by a clinician.
If you are uncertain whether any of these items apply to you, seek medical advice before using this medicine.
Possible harmful effects
There are users who do not experience unintended effects. Frequently reported effects include:
- Nausea or abdominal discomfort.
- Headache discomfort or increased frequency of migraine.
- Mood changes, including depressive symptoms in a small number of users.
- Breast tenderness symptoms and breast changes.
- Fluid retention and minor weight fluctuations.
Seek urgent help if you notice signs that might suggest a blood clot: sudden swelling or pain in one leg, chest pain or shortness of breath, sudden severe cephalalgia, slurred speech or visual problems. See Precautionary steps and safety checks for more background on risks.
Medication social the act of interactions influence perceptions and decisions.
Several medicines and herbal products can alter the effect or safety profile of co-cyprindiol. Always disclose all medications, supplements and herbal remedies to your prescriber and pharmacist. Significant encounters include:
- Warfarin belongs to the class of anticoagulants. may need closer vigilant monitoring while taking hormonal treatments.
- Certain antiretroviral agents and some hepatitis C treatments can affect hormonal levels.
- Enzyme-inducing antiepileptics such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital or topiramate can lower contraceptive reliability.
- Rifampicin and rifabutin used to treat some infections reduce hormone concentrations.
- St John’s wort can decrease the effectiveness of combined hormonal products.
- Lamotrigine plasma levels may fall when combined hormonal contraceptives are used, and dose adjustments could be needed.
When starting or stopping a potentially interacting medicineverify this. with your clinician about additional contraceptive standard precautions and any observation and tracking that may be necessary.
If a tablet is missed
Should you forget a tablet, take it promptly when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next tablet, omit the missed one and continue normally; do not double dose unless your prescriber or pharmacist advises otherwise. If more than one tablet has been missed or you are several days late, consult the patient leaflet or contact a healthcare professional for specific instruction.
Excessive medication dose treatment actions
Taking more than the recommended number of tablets may increase the chance of expected after effects such as nausea, abdominal pain or tension headache. If an suffered an overdose is suspected, contact NHS 111 or your local urgent care service for advice and take the medicine packaging with you when seeking help.
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- Keep tablets in the original blister until the time of use to protect from moisture.
- Store below 25 C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Store out of the reach and out of sight of children.
Alternate therapies and related medications
Choice of treatment depends on whether the priority is acne control, managing PCOS symptoms or contraception. Usual other course options considered in the UK include:
- Other combined oral contraceptives that pair ethinylestradiol with different progestogens (for example those containing drospirenone or desogestrel), some of which may offer benefits for acne.
- Progestogen-only options: the desogestrel-only pill, the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (e.g. Mirena) or the etonogestrel implant — useful when estrogen is not suitable.
- Non-hormonal contraception such as the copper intrauterine device for long-term pregnancy prevention without hormones.
- Dermatology-focused treatments: topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical or systemic antibiotics and isotretinoin for severe acne managed under specialist supervision.
- Anti-androgen medications like spironolactone, which is sometimes used off-label for acne or hirsutism under specialist oversight with appropriate monitoring.
Comparing costs and monitoring and logging: many combined pills are inexpensive when supplied on the NHS, while private provision varies. Non-hormonal and long-acting methods often have higher initial fees but lower ongoing costs; specialist acne drugs like isotretinoin need monitoring and logging but can be highly effective. Discuss pros and cons with your GP, dermatologist or sexual health clinic to select the best option.
Ballpark tiered pricing for the United Kingdom
Costs depend on whether the medicine is supplied on the NHS or obtained privately, and on any consultation or dispensing fees.
- NHS prescription charge in England: approximately 9.90 pounds per item for those who pay; many people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland get prescriptions free depending on eligibility.
- Private supply of co-cyprindiol (21-tablet pack): approximate medicine-only cost around 8 to 20 pounds; pharmacies or clinics may add consultation or dispensing fees.
- Other combined oral contraceptives bought privately commonly range from about 3 to 10 pounds per monthly supply, depending on brand and quantity purchased.
- Long-acting reversible contraception (levonorgestrel IUS or contraceptive implant) has higher private upfront costs but is often provided free on the NHS when clinically indicated.
For the latest prices contact your local pharmacy, clinic or a licensed UK online prescriber. See Different medicines and related formulations for cheaper or more cost-effective options to discuss with a clinician.
The legal standing of Britain and prescribing guidance
- Prescription only: Diane 35/co-cyprindiol is classified as a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in the UK and must be issued by a UK-registered prescriber.
- Clinical role: UK prescribers commonly reserve co-cyprindiol for acne or hirsutism after other suitable treatments have failed, rather than using it as a first-line contraceptive in otherwise healthy users.
- Safety review checks: prescribers will assess clotting risk, blood pressure, migraine history, smoking status and other health factors before starting treatment and during follow up.
- Regulation and guidance: the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates medicines in the UK and NICE or local clinical guidelines may inform prescribing choices.
- Online supply: legitimate UK online clinics require a health questionnaire, identity verification and a UK prescription; avoid unregulated international suppliers.
For definitive eligibility, performance monitoring and official recommendations speak to your GP, pharmacist or an authorised NHS clinician. For details on safety refer back to Safety verifications and precautionary measures and Not indicated conditions and Alerts for Use.
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