cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol at a glance
Medicine class
Combined oestrogen and anti-androgen hormonal treatment
Main licensed uses
Androgen-sensitive moderate to severe acne and hirsutism
Contraceptive effect
It suppresses ovulation but is not intended solely as contraception. Do not combine it with another hormonal contraceptive.
What is cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol used for?
Licensed uses include:
Androgen-sensitive moderate to severe acne, with or without oily skin, in women of reproductive age after topical treatment or systemic antibiotics have failed.
Androgen-sensitive hirsutism in women of reproductive age.
Contraception occurs during treatment but is not a stand-alone reason to prescribe it.
How does cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol work?
Cyproterone blocks androgen receptors and reduces androgen production, limiting androgen-driven oil production and hair growth. Ethinylestradiol supports ovarian suppression and increases sex-hormone-binding globulin, reducing free circulating androgens. Together, they also inhibit ovulation.
cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2000 micrograms + 35 micrograms
How to take cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol
Swallow the tablets by mouth and follow the day markings and supplied leaflet. Do not add another hormonal contraceptive. Vomiting or severe diarrhoea may prevent absorption; follow the leaflet’s missed-tablet instructions and seek advice if the illness continues.
Follow the instructions for the specific product supplied.
Use condoms for protection from sexually transmitted infections.
cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Headache
- Depressed or altered mood
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Weight increase
- Spotting or changes in withdrawal bleeding
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a venous or arterial blood clot
- Severe allergic reaction or angioedema
- New severe migraine or focal neurological symptoms
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
- Jaundice, hepatitis symptoms or severe upper abdominal pain
- Marked rise in blood pressure
cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol in pregnancy
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Pregnancy should be excluded before starting. If pregnancy occurs, stop taking it and contact the prescriber.
cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol while breastfeeding
The selected products are contraindicated while breastfeeding because they may reduce milk production and small amounts of the ingredients enter breast milk. Discuss an alternative with a prescriber, midwife or pharmacist.
cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol interactions
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber to check all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products. Important examples include:
Enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, oxcarbazepine and topiramate
May reduce hormone exposure, causing breakthrough bleeding and loss of contraceptive protection.
Rifampicin or rifabutin
May reduce contraceptive effectiveness; specialist contraceptive advice is needed.
Common questions about cyproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is it prescribed for acne?
It reduces androgen production and blocks androgen effects on the skin, helping reduce excess oil and inflammation. It is reserved for androgen-sensitive moderate to severe acne when appropriate topical treatment or systemic antibiotics have not worked.
Can it be used only for contraception?
No. Although it prevents ovulation, it is licensed for androgen-sensitive acne or hirsutism rather than contraception alone.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.