Co-cyprindiol

About co-cyprindiol

Co-cyprindiol is used to treat severe acne or hirsutism (excessive hair on the face and body in women). It also acts as an oral contraceptive, but is not usually prescribed solely for that purpose.

Co-cyprindiol contains two ingredients, cyproterone and ethinylestradiol. Cyproterone is an anti-androgen and ethinylestradiol is an oestrogen (female sex hormone). Androgens in the body are responsible for stimulating the glands on the skin that produce sebum (grease) and they also encourage hair growth. Too much androgen can cause the glands in the skin to become blocked and inflamed, causing acne spots to develop. Cyproterone works by reducing the amount of androgen produced and consequently it reduces acne and excess hair.

Before taking co-cyprindiol

Before taking co-cyprindiol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are breast feeding or think you may be pregnant.
• If you suffer from thrombosis (blood clots) or arterial disease, or if you or a close relative have a history of these conditions.
• If you suffer from heart disease, migraine, high blood pressure, porphyria (blood disorder) or systemic lupus erythematosus (arthritis affecting skin, joints & internal organs).
• If you suffer from liver problems, gallstones or diabetes mellitus.
• If you have just been treated for trophoblastic disease (an abnormal growth formed in the womb in pregnancy).
• If you suffered from itching, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), chorea (jerky involuntary movements) or pemphigoid gestation (severe itchy, blistering disorder) while you where pregnant.
• If you have a breast lump, have had breast cancer, or if there is a history of breast cancer in your family.
• If you suffer from vaginal bleeding other than your normal monthly period.
• If you are not fully mobile.
• If you are obese, smoke, or are over 35 years of age.
• If you have a history of depression.
• If you have had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a 'mini-stroke'.
• If you or a close relative have ever had hypertriglyceridaemia (high levels of lipids in blood).
• If you suffer from hyperprolactinaemia (excess prolactin), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (a blood disorder), sickle cell disease (an inherited blood disorder affecting red blood cells), inflammatory bowel disease or varicose veins.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take co-cyprindiol

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take co-cyprindiol at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. If however your forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next dose at your usual time.
• If you are relying on co-cyprindiol for contraception and you miss 2 or more doses (especially at the beginning of the pack) you may not be protected. As soon as you remember you must continue taking the tablets as normal and for the next seven days you must either not have sexual intercourse or must use another method of contraception, such as a condom. If these seven days run beyond the end of your pack, start the next pack at once when you have finished the present one. This means you will not have a break between the packs and you may not have a period until the end of two packs, but this will do you no harm. Nor does it matter if you see some bleeding on the tablet taking days.
• Important: If you have had unprotected intercourse whilst having missed 2 or more tablets, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on what to do.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you suspect that you may be pregnant, stop taking and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
• Important: If you are relying on co-cyprindiol for contraception and you are sick (vomit) within 2 hours of taking a dose, take another pill as soon as possible. If the vomiting continues or you have severe diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, this can affect the absorption of the tablet. You must use additional precautions such as a condom, during and for seven days after your recovery. If the sickness and diarrhoea occurs during the last seven tablets, miss out the 7 pill-free days and start a new pack straight away.
• Important: If you are relying on co-cyprindiol for contraception, it can be less effective when taken with short courses of antibiotics. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy you should use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom while you are taking antibiotics and for at least 7 days after the course of treatment has ended. If the week following the antibiotic course runs into your pill free week, start the next pack straight away, without a break.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment you must tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking co-cyprindiol.
• Travelling that involves long periods of immobility (more than five hours) can increase the risk of serious side effects affecting the blood circulation and in rare cases may lead to blood clots. Taking appropriate exercise during the journey and possibly wearing elastic hosiery can reduce this risk. If you are concerned, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Combined hormonal contraceptives like co-cyprindiol do not protect from sexually transmitted diseases or HIV infection. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on safe sex.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with co-cyprindiol.

Can co-cyprindiol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store co-cyprindiol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines