Generic Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol

Introduction

Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol is a combined hormonal preparation classified within the Hormones group. In the United Kingdom it is most commonly prescribed for the management of severe acne, hirsutism, and as a contraceptive in women with androgen‑related disorders. The product contains two active compounds: cyproterone acetate, an anti‑androgen and progestogen, and ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen. Both ingredients act synergistically to suppress ovarian androgen production, block peripheral androgen receptors, and provide reliable menstrual cycle control. The medication is listed on the UK Medicines Optimisation database and is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

What is Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol?

Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol is the generic version of Diane‑35, a widely recognised brand name that combines the same active compounds. It is produced by several licensed manufacturers worldwide and marketed as a cost‑effective alternative to the brand‑name product. Our online pharmacy provides this generic formulation, delivering the same therapeutic benefit at a price close to the manufacturer’s cost.

• Classification: Combined oral contraceptive with anti‑androgenic activity.
• Development: First introduced in the 197s; the anti‑androgenic component (cyproterone acetate) was developed to treat prostate disease and later repurposed for dermatological indications.
• Manufacturer: Multiple EU‑authorized manufacturers; specific licence holders are listed on the product packaging supplied by our pharmacy.

How Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol Works

Cyproterone acetate binds competitively to androgen receptors, preventing endogenous testosterone and dihydrotestosterone from exerting their effects on skin, hair follicles, and the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑gonadal axis. It also provides progestogenic activity that suppresses luteinising hormone (LH) release, reducing ovarian androgen synthesis.

Ethinylestradiol, a potent synthetic estrogen, stabilises the endometrial lining, provides negative feedback to the pituitary gland, and contributes to the inhibition of ovulation. The combined effect results in:

• Decreased circulating androgens → reduction of acne lesions and excess hair growth.
• Inhibition of ovulation → reliable contraception.
• Regularised menstrual bleeding pattern.

Onset of anti‑androgenic effects generally occurs within 2–4 weeks, while contraceptive protection is established after 7 days of continuous dosing. The half‑life of cyproterone acetate is approximately 30 hours, and that of ethinylestradiol is 24 hours; steady‑state concentrations are reached after about one week of daily intake.

Conditions Treated with Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol

• Severe Acne Vulgaris – Particularly in adult women where androgen excess contributes to lesion persistence. Clinical trials demonstrate a ≥50 % reduction in acne lesion count after 12 weeks of therapy.
• Hirsutism – Excess terminal hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen. The anti‑androgenic action reduces hair shaft thickness and growth rate, with visible improvement often noted after 6 months.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)‑related Dermatological Symptoms – While not a primary indication for metabolic control, the combination helps manage cutaneous manifestations of PCOS.
• Contraception – Provides a highly effective (<1 % typical‑use failure) method for preventing pregnancy, suitable for women who also require anti‑androgen therapy.

In the UK, acne affects approximately 30 % of the adult population, and hirsutism affects up to 10 % of women of reproductive age, highlighting the public‑health relevance of this medication.

Who is Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol For?

• Women of reproductive age who require both reliable contraception and treatment of androgen‑related dermatological conditions.
• Individuals with clinically confirmed severe acne or hirsutism unresponsive to topical therapies or oral isotretinoin.
• Patients with PCOS who have predominant cutaneous symptoms and no contraindications to estrogen‑containing contraceptives.

The medication is not appropriate for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Women with a history of thromboembolic disease, estrogen‑dependent neoplasia, or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Patients taking strong cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin) that may reduce drug efficacy.

A thorough medical assessment, including liver function tests and lipid profile, is recommended before initiation.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, breast tenderness, and mild headache.
• Weight gain or fluid retention (typically ≤2 kg).
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first three months.

Rare

• Elevated liver enzymes; occasional cases of cholestatic hepatitis.
• Mood changes, including depressive symptoms.
• Decreased libido.

Serious

• Venous thromboembolism (deep‑vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
• Arterial thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke).
• Hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma (particularly with long‑term use).
• Hypertriglyceridaemia that may precipitate pancreatitis.

Drug–drug interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) can increase plasma concentrations, raising thrombosis risk.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin) may lower effectiveness, potentially leading to contraceptive failure.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin) – combined hormonal therapy may enhance pro‑coagulant effects; INR monitoring recommended.
• Antiepileptic drugs – may reduce hormonal levels, decreasing contraceptive reliability.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter supplements, to their healthcare provider.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing – One tablet containing 2 mg cyproterone acetate and 35 µg ethinylestradiol is taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7‑day tablet‑free interval (or placebo tablets) to allow withdrawal bleeding.
• Missed dose – If a dose is missed by less than 12 hours, take it as soon as remembered and continue the pack. If >12 hours have passed, skip the missed tablet, resume normal schedule, and use a barrier method for the next 7 days.
• Overdose – Acute overdose is rare but may cause nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches. Seek immediate medical attention; supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.

Precautions – Alcohol intake does not affect efficacy but may increase hepatotoxic risk. Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4 and raise drug levels; avoid excessive consumption. Patients with liver disease should be monitored closely, as impaired clearance can increase adverse events.

Buying Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol from Our Online Pharmacy

Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol is available for purchase from our online pharmacy in the UK.

• Affordable pricing – We source the generic product directly from licensed manufacturers, offering prices close to the wholesale cost.
• Verified quality – All batches are approved by the MHRA and come with a Certificate of Analysis guaranteeing potency and purity.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet packaging is shipped via a 7‑day express service for urgent needs, with standard airmail taking approximately 3 weeks. Tracking is provided for every order.
• International access – As a pharmacy‑broker service, we collaborate with overseas licensed pharmacies, ensuring a reliable supply of medications that may be difficult to obtain locally.
• Privacy‑focused – Our service respects patient confidentiality; orders are packaged without external labeling and delivered to your address.

This approach offers a safe, cost‑effective alternative for individuals who encounter limited stock or high prices in traditional UK pharmacies.

FAQ

• Is Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes, the medication is sold as the brand‑name product Diane‑35 and as generic formulations containing the same active ingredients. Generic versions are typically less expensive while maintaining identical therapeutic effectiveness.

• What should I do if I need to travel abroad with Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol?
  Carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription label, if available. Keep it in your hand luggage to avoid temperature extremes, and be aware of the destination country's regulations regarding hormonal contraceptives.

• Does the tablet require any special storage conditions?
  The tablets should be stored at room temperature (15‑30 °C), protected from moisture, direct sunlight, and high humidity. Do not store them in a bathroom or near kitchen heat sources.

• Are there any inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions?
  Common excipients include lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and povidone. Patients with known lactose intolerance or hypersensitivity to these fillers should discuss alternatives with their clinician.

• Can Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol be imported for personal use under UK law?
  Personal import of medicines for non‑commercial use is permitted provided the supply does not exceed a 3‑month quantity and the product is licensed in the UK. Importation must comply with MHRA guidelines and customs requirements.

• What are the implications of using this medication on hormone‑based drug testing?
  Cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol can affect the results of certain endocrine assays, potentially leading to elevated estrogen or suppressed testosterone readings. Laboratories should be informed of the medication when interpreting hormonal tests.

• Does body weight influence the effectiveness of Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol?
  While the standard dose is effective for most adult women, obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) may modestly increase the risk of contraceptive failure. Additional counselling on backup contraception may be advisable in this population.

• What is the historical significance of cyproterone acetate in medicine?
  Developed in the 196s for prostate cancer treatment, cyproterone acetate was later combined with ethinylestradiol to address androgen‑driven skin conditions. Its dual anti‑androgenic and progestogenic profile has made it a unique therapeutic option in dermatology and contraception.

• How does Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol compare with other anti‑androgenic oral contraceptives?
  Compared with formulations containing drospirenone or norethisterone, the cyproterone acetate combination offers a stronger androgen receptor blockade, leading to more pronounced improvements in acne and hirsutism, albeit with a slightly higher thrombotic risk profile.

• Are there regional formulation differences between EU‑produced and non‑EU versions?
  EU‑licensed tablets contain 2 mg cyproterone acetate and 35 µg ethinylestradiol per tablet. Some non‑EU manufacturers may use slightly different micro‑dosing or excipient profiles, but the active ingredient quantities remain consistent to meet regulatory standards.

Glossary

Anti‑androgen

A substance that blocks the effects of androgens (male sex hormones) at their receptor sites, thereby reducing androgen‑driven symptoms such as acne and excess hair growth.

Contraceptive failure rate

The proportion of users who become pregnant during a typical year of use; for combined oral contraceptives, this is less than 1 % with correct use.

Thromboembolic risk

The probability of developing a blood clot within a vein (venous) or artery (arterial), a known serious adverse effect of estrogen‑containing hormonal therapies.

Steady‑state concentration

The level at which the rate of drug administration equals the rate of elimination, resulting in a stable amount of medication in the bloodstream, usually reached after about one week of daily dosing for this combination.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.