Dianette Pills

What is Dianette?

Dianette is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing two active ingredients: cyproterone acetate (2mg) and ethinylestradiol (35μg). It belongs to a class of medications called anti-androgen contraceptives, which work by reducing the effects of male hormones (androgens) in the body.

Mechanism of Action

Think of Dianette as a dual-action treatment:

• Cyproterone acetate acts as an anti-androgen, blocking the effects of male hormones on your skin and oil glands
• Ethinylestradiol is an oestrogen that works with cyproterone to suppress ovulation and provide contraceptive protection

Biological pathway: Androgens stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands in your skin. When you produce too much androgen or are sensitive to it, these glands produce excess sebum, which can block pores and lead to acne. Dianette reduces androgen production and blocks their effect on your skin.

What is Dianette Used For?

Dianette is specifically indicated for:

Approved Patient Groups

Before Using Dianette

Essential considerations before initiating treatment:

Medical History Assessment

• Personal and family medical history (especially blood clots, heart conditions, cancers)
• Current medications and supplements
• Smoking status and age
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Blood pressure
• Pregnancy status

Required Baseline Tests

1. Blood pressure measurement
2. Pregnancy test if indicated
3. Breast examination if clinically indicated
4. Cervical smear test if due

Pre-treatment Evaluations

Before starting Dianette, ensure:

1. You have tried other acne treatments first (topical treatments, antibiotics)
2. You understand the risks and benefits
3. You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
4. You have no contraindications

Dianette Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Dianette must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Current or history of breast cancer
• Current or history of venous thromboembolism (blood clots)
• Current or history of arterial thromboembolism
• Severe liver disease or liver tumors
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Hypersensitivity to any ingredients
• Meningioma (or history of)
• Hepatitis C with specific antiviral medications

Relative Contraindications (Use with Caution)

• Migraine with aura
• Diabetes with vascular complications
• Severe hypertension
• Major surgery with prolonged immobilisation
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Age over 35 and smoking

Risk Stratification

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients

Not indicated for post-menopausal women. Dianette is only for women of reproductive age.

Renal Impairment

No specific dosage adjustment needed, but caution in severe impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Contraindicated in acute or severe liver disease. Mild impairment requires careful monitoring.

Pediatric/Adolescent Patients

Only after menarche (first period). Not for pre-pubertal girls.

Ethnic Considerations

Women with history of chloasma (facial pigmentation) should avoid excessive sun exposure.

Dianette and Other Medicines

Significant interactions requiring monitoring:

High-Risk Medication Combinations

• Enzyme-inducing drugs: Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St John's Wort - reduce Dianette effectiveness
• HIV protease inhibitors: Ritonavir, nevirapine - complex interactions
• Hepatitis C medications: Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir - contraindicated
• Antibiotics: Some may reduce effectiveness (use backup contraception)

Medicines Affected by Dianette

• Cyclosporin: Dianette may increase levels
• Lamotrigine: Reduced levels, increased seizure risk
• Theophylline: Possible altered levels
• Tizanidine: Increased effects

Timing Recommendations

If taking enzyme-inducing medications:

1. Use additional contraception (condoms) while taking and for 28 days after
2. Consider higher-dose pill or alternative contraceptive method
3. Consult your doctor about timing of other medications

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Dianette is contraindicated during pregnancy
• Discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs
• Use effective contraception during treatment

Breastfeeding

• Do not use while breastfeeding
• The hormones can pass into breast milk and may affect your baby
• Discuss alternatives with your doctor

Contraception Requirements

If you stop Dianette to become pregnant:

• Use alternative contraception until you have a natural period
• This helps accurately date any pregnancy
• No evidence of harm if pregnancy occurs immediately after stopping

Driving & Machine Operation

• Dianette has no known effect on the ability to drive or operate machinery
• Caution advised due to possible:
  • Migraine with visual disturbances
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Severe depression affecting concentration
• Do not drive or operate machinery if experiencing warning signs

Dianette Ingredients

Active Substance

• Cyproterone acetate: 2mg (anti-androgen)
• Ethinylestradiol: 35μg (oestrogen)

Excipients (Inactive Ingredients)

Allergen Warnings

• Contains lactose and sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before using Dianette.

How to Use Dianette

Step-by-Step Administration

1. Check the pack: Ensure you have a full strip of 21 pills
2. Choose start day: Best to start on first day of period (immediate protection)
3. Take daily: One pill at same time each day for 21 days
4. 7-day break: No pills for next 7 days (withdrawal bleed expected)
5. New strip: Start next strip on day 8, even if still bleeding

Swallowing Instructions

Swallow each pill whole with water. Do not chew or crush.

Dianette Dosage Guidelines

Standard Regimen

Titration Schedule

No titration needed. Standard dose is one pill daily.

Administration Instructions

Starting scenarios based on your current situation:

New Users or After Break

Start on first day of period for immediate protection.

Changing from Another 21-day Pill

Start Dianette next day after previous pack finishes.

Changing from 28-day Pill

Start Dianette day after last active pill.

Changing from Progestogen-only Pill

Start Dianette on first day of bleeding.

After Miscarriage/Abortion

First trimester: start immediately. After 3 months: consult doctor.

After Having a Baby

If not breastfeeding: start 21 days after delivery if fully mobile.

Missed Dose Management

Time-Based Guidance

Vomiting or Diarrhoea

If within 12 hours of taking pill: take another pill.
If after 12 hours: treat as missed pill (>12 hours late).

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vaginal bleeding (even in girls not yet menstruating)

Management

1. No specific antidote exists
2. Symptomatic treatment only
3. Contact doctor if symptoms severe
4. No need for emergency contraception from overdose alone

Possible Side Effects

Very Common (more than 1 in 10 people)

• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Stomach ache
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Depressive moods or mood swings
• Sore or painful breasts

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people)

• Vomiting and stomach upsets
• Fluid retention
• Migraine
• Loss of interest in sex
• Breast enlargement
• Itchy skin rash

Serious Side Effects

Bleeding Between Periods

Common in first few months. Usually stops after 1-2 days. Continue taking Dianette. See doctor if:

• Continues beyond first few months
• Starts after long-term use
• Continues after stopping Dianette

How to Store Dianette

Storage Conditions

• Temperature: Do not store above 25°C
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight

Expiry and Disposal

• Do not use after expiry date on strip
• Do not throw away in drain or bin
• Return unused medicine to pharmacy for safe disposal

Pack Information

Pack Specifications

• Pack size: 63 tablets (3 strips of 21)
• Tablet colour: Beige
• Markings: Each tablet marked with day of week

Manufacturing Details

• Manufacturer: Bayer AG, Germany or Bayer Weimar GmbH, Germany
• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Bayer plc, Reading, UK
• Product Licence Number: PL 0010/0085

Where Can I Buy Dianette Online in the UK