Support line:
020 7127 8785
Lines open 24/7
All medications from licensed pharmacies
GPhC reg. no. 1120610
All medications from licensed pharmacies
GPhC reg. no. 1120610
Dianette is the brand name of a medication that is used to treat severe acne and hirsutism in women. Dianette contains two active ingredients. These active ingredients are ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate.
Cyproterone acetate belongs to the family of medications called anti-androgens. Androgens are male hormones that are found in men and women. Androgens cause the skin and the hair that comes out of the skin to grow. It also stimulates the sebaceous glands that produce sebum. If the body over produces androgen the sebaceous glands may in turn produce too much sebum, which can result in the glands becoming blocked and infected, resulting in acne, inflammation and sometimes infection. Too much androgen in a woman can also cause hirsutism. Hirsutism is excessive hair growth on the face and the body. Acne and hirsutism can both be symptoms in women who are suffering with a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Dianette prevents the actions of these androgens, which means that they can no longer affect the skin or the hair. The result of this is that the acne and the hirsuitism improve.
Dianette is also effective as a contraceptive pill. It works by preventing the release of eggs by the ovaries and by thickening the mucus at the neck of the womb so that it is more difficult for sperm to pass though to it from the vagina. Dianette also changes the lining of the womb itself so that fertilized eggs find it more difficult to implant themselves.
All prescription medications can have potential side effects. The potential side effects that may be encountered when taking Dianette include:
