Co-Cyprindiol is a very effective acne medication prescribed when antibiotic treatment fails to produce the desired results. As a generic version of better-known Dianette, it contains the same active ingredient as the branded version. In addition to decreasing acne symptoms, this medicine is also commonly used for reduction of excess hair growth and, of course, as a contraceptive pill due to its hormonal qualities.
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However, when it comes to contraceptive properties of Co-Cyprindiol, medical experts emphasise that it should not be relied upon as only contraceptive measure and barrier method should be used alongside it in order to ensure protection against not only unwanted pregnancy but also various sexually transmitted infection.
One can buy Co-Cyprindiol in the UK with a prescription, so the medicine isn’t available over-the-counter. In addition to this, Co-Cyprindiol was manufactured for use in women only. When used properly, this acne medicine will manage to improve the condition even in those cases when antibiotics failed, while at the same time contributing to the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and reducing excess hair growth.
Acne: A general background
Acne is a relatively common condition characterised by the appearance of spots on the skin of various sizes and concentration. So-called blackheads and whiteheads tend to be smaller in size and not as prevalent. In a majority of cases, this type of acne isn’t treated. On the other hand, larger spots or pustules are much more noticeable and usually appear in greater numbers. While they can appear pretty much anywhere on the skin, they are the most likely to develop on the face, back, shoulders and chest. The most severe forms tend to take the form of cysts which are very large and painful, leaving scars behind.
The milder forms of acne are very common condition as most people will get affected with some form at least once in their lives. This condition is most common in the age group between 14 and 18 since the first flare-up tends to occur somewhere during puberty. In most cases it will diminish in severity as the time goes by before eventually completely disappearing. But, some cases of teenage acne may continue well into adulthood, manifesting in succession of flare-ups and remissions.
Acne in adult women
When they appear in adult women, acne can be indicative of hormonal imbalance. This, however, doesn’t always have to be a sign or symptom of some underlying medical condition. Many women can be prone to acne when expecting their period or during the early stages of pregnancy when hormonal changes naturally occur in the body.
On a more physiological level, spots that characterise acne usually manifest when the follicles in the skin become blocked with a compound produced by sebaceous glands. Said compound, called sebum, is naturally released by the body in order to keep the skin and hair healthy. However, a heightened level of androgens can contribute to over-activity of these glands, leading to excess sebum production and subsequent blocking of the skin pores.
How does Co-Cyprindiol treat acne?
Co-Cyprindiol is so-called combination treatment as it is based on two different active compounds. Both of them are hormones – cyproterone and ethinylestradiol. The former of the two, cyproterone, is a synthetic form of progesterone and it acts by decreasing the amounts of androgens in the body and consequently their effect on the sebaceous glands. Ethinylestradiol, on the other hand, is an oestrogen-derivate which is present in the medicine in order to ensure proper hormonal balance.
How can I buy Co-Cyprindiol? Is it possible to buy it online?
Co-Cyprindiol is a prescription-only medicine, so anyone looking to buy it will have to obtain a prescription beforehand. You can do this either via traditional route (making an appointment with your general practitioner) or through an online clinic where the consultations with a doctor can be held through live chat app or a customized questionnaire. In either case, the doctor will issue the prescription following the assessment of your symptoms if he concludes that you are suitable for this treatment.
However, if you are looking just to renew your prescription for Co-Cyprindiol and buy it online, you can do that easily through an online clinic. Of course, a new round of consultations will be necessary, but the process will be significantly sped up as opposed to obtaining a prescription for the first time.
How is Co-Cyprindiol used?
When using this treatment it is of uttermost importance to follow the prescriber’s instructions precisely. By doing so, you will ensure optimal efficiency while also reducing the risk of side effects. As this is a hormonal treatment, using it in a wrong way can have potentially unforeseen consequences which is why it is important to also get familiar with the information provided in the official leaflet issued with every pack of Co-Cyprindiol.
The most general guideline for the use of this medicine can be described as follows:
- Take as prescribed
- Don’t use it if you are already using some other contraceptive pill
- Start using the medicine on the first day of your period
- The dose is one tablet at the same time each day
- Take the tablet whole with a glass of water
- This pill should be taken for the first three weeks of the menstrual cycle (21 days) then not taken for seven days after what the cycle will repeat
- Never change the prescribed dose
- Never compensate a missed dose by doubling the next one – if you forget to take a pill, consult the patient information leaflet
What are Co-Cyprindiol side effects?
- Allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or face, hives)
- Blood clot
- Sharp pains or chest tightness
- Heart attack or stroke
- Migraines
- Liver problems (jaundice), severe stomach pain
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal discharge and pelvic pain
- Breast cancer
- Changes in the nipples
- Depression or mood swings
Co-Cyprindiol contraindications
As is the case with all prescription medicines, Co-Cyprindiol is not suitable for everyone. The use of this acne treatment might be contraindicated due to various reasons, the most common ones being the use of another medicine that might adversely interact with Co-Cyprindiol and existence of an underlying medical condition.
Which medicines can adversely interact with Co-Cyprindiol?
- Ciclosporin
- Lamotrigine
- Nelfinavir
- Primidone
- Rifampicin
- Ritonavir
- Antibiotics
- Anticonvulsants
- Antifungal medicines
- Liver enzyme inducer
- Antiretrovirals
- Barbiturates
- St John’s wort
- Cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers
- Other contraceptive pills
- Protease inhibitors
Is it safe for me to use Co-Cyprindiol?
Co-Cyprindiol shouldn’t be used if your medical history involves any of the following conditions:
- Blood clot
- Heart attack or stroke
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Cancer
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Jaundice
- Depression
- Sensory difficulties
- Herpes
- Cardiovascular issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, diabetes)
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Asthma
In addition to this, Co-Cyprindiol should not be used by pregnant women, those trying to conceive and those who are currently breastfeeding.
Finally, this medicine contains lactose so you should avoid it if you have sugar intolerance.
