Dianette

What is Dianette for acne?

Dianette is an oral contraceptive that is prescribed to women with severe acne which doesn't respond to a course of antibiotics, and to those with severe hirsutism (excessive hair growth).

Using Dianette solely as a form of contraception is strongly opposed as there are other combined oral pills that have less severe side effects.

It's important to speak to your doctor before taking Dianette to ensure that it's the right treatment for you.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition which causes spots on the skin, especially around the face. It commonly affects teenagers during puberty, although some adults do experience breakouts of acne.

The development of acne begins when a pore in the skin becomes blocked with dead skin cells and keratin - the material which hair and nails are made of.

Sebum, which is an oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands below the skin's surface, has nowhere to go and begins to build up below the blockage.

Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. Acnes) feed on the surplus of sebum and multiply without contest. As the bacterium feed, they excrete fatty acids and other substances which irritate the skin and cause inflammation. This is what causes the characteristic red blemishes on the skin.

Hormones play a major role in the development of acne, which is why acne is more likely to develop during puberty. Some women may experience acne during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle or during the first few months of pregnancy, due to an increase of progesterone - though the exact mechanism of how progesterone causes acne is unknown. In men, high testosterone levels can influence acne; testosterone promotes sebum production which increases the risk of acne.

Other causes of acne include:

• A family history of acne
• Cosmetic products
• Medicines
• Smoking

There is currently no strong evidence to suggest that acne is caused by poor diet, poor hygiene or sexual activity.

If your acne is moderate to severe, hasn't responded to other treatment, or is causing you distress, it's best to speak to your doctor. They will be able to determine the possible cause of your acne and discuss appropriate treatments for you.

Can I buy Dianette for acne online?

You can buy dianette for acne from prescription doctor and have it delivered to your door within 24 hours.

We deliver your prescription via our discreet courier service quickly and easily. If you have any concerns about this medication, speak to one of our doctors.

How does Dianette for acne work?

Dianette contains anti-androgens (cyproterone acetate) which can inhibit the production of sebum - a natural oil in the skin attributed to hair growth.

It is effective in preventing the development of bacteria and infection, which are known to cause acne.

How do I take Dianette for acne?

Dianette comes in strips of 21 pills, each marked with a day of the week. Like other combined contraceptive pills, Dianette is taken in a single dose once a day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill break. During this gap, you should experience a breakthrough bleed.

On the 8th day, regardless of whether you are still bleeding or not, you need to continue with the next pill strip.

While Dianette can prevent pregnancy, it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia or HIV. You should use an additional form of contraceptive such as condoms, for protection against STIs.

The difference between taking Dianette for acne and taking it purely as contraception is that once your acne has cleared up, it is advised to switch to another form of contraception due to the risks of prolonged use.

What are the side effects and cautions of using Dianette for acne?

Just like any medicine, Dianette has some side effects and risks. Specifically, Dianette slightly increases the risk of blood clots. It is important to understand the risks of the medication you are taking to identify any symptoms that may need medical intervention.

Side effects of Dianette may include:

• Change in sex drive
• Depressive moods or mood swings
• Enlargement of the breasts
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rashes
• Stomach pain
• Tender breasts
• Vaginal or breast discharge
• Venous blood clot
• Weight changes

If you experience one or more of these side effects, speak to your GP or pharmacist. You may be advised to stop taking it and will have to use alternative contraceptive methods such as condoms.

Risk of blood clots while taking Dianette for acne

Blood clots can pose serious risks to your health and could lead to heart attacks or strokes. It is crucial that you are aware of the risks of blood clots associated with Dianette.

Dianette increases the risk of blood clots in those who are susceptible. You may have a higher risk of developing blood clots while using Dianette if you:

• Smoke
• Have a history of blood clots in your family
• Are overweight
• Are undergoing surgery in the near future
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Recently had a baby
• Have a high cholesterol
• Have heart problems
• Have diabetes
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus
• Have sickle cell disease

If any of the above criteria apply to you, speak to your doctor, who may advise you to stop taking Dianette.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol while using Dianette for acne?

There is no evidence that drinking alcohol affects the effectiveness of Dianette in your body. Always drink in moderation and avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Will taking Dianette for acne affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Dianette for acne should not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Can I take Dianette for acne when pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, it is not safe to take Dianette for acne if you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Table of contents

What is Dianette for acne?

How does Dianette for acne work?

How do I take Dianette for acne?

What are the side effects and cautions of using Dianette for acne?

Frequently asked questions