Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone
About
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is an oral hormonal combination, containing Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone used to treat symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) such as acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and irregular periods. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition, which affects how women's ovaries work.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is a combination of two hormonal medications, ethinylestradiol, and cyproterone used to treat PCOS symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and irregular periods. Cyproterone, works by blocking a male hormone named androgen overproduction in the ovaries and reducing unwanted facial hair growth and acne. Ethinylestradiol, on the other hand, acts as an enhancer. It enhances the effect of cyproterone by reducing the amount of androgens in the blood. Collectively, they both effectively treat the symptoms of PCOS.
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone can be taken with or without food in dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor. For best results of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone, take it at the same time every day. Also, do not stop taking Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone before completing its full course, even if you feel your symptoms are better. The most common side effects of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone include weight gain, nausea, tender breast, stomach pain, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. If you see swelling or pain in your limbs, chest pain, or shortness of breath, please inform your doctor.
Inform your doctor if your periods do not start within a week after taking Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone. Do not take Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone if you are pregnant already or breastfeeding. Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone does not prevent the transmission of any sexually transmitted disease (STD), so use some other form of contraception (condom) during sexual intercourse if you have any STD or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). If you have any blood clots, please consult your doctor as Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone may not be prescribed.
Uses of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone
Medicinal Benefits
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is a combination of two hormonal drugs, ethinylestradiol, and cyproterone. It is used to treat PCOS symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and irregular periods. Cyproterone works by blocking a male hormone named androgen overproduction in the ovaries and reducing unwanted facial hair growth and acne. Ethinylestradiol, on the other hand, acts as an enhancer. It enhances the effect of cyproterone by reducing the amount of androgens in the blood. Collectively, they both effectively treat the symptoms of PCOS.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Tender breast
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Mood changes
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone, please inform your doctor. Please undergo regular cervical smear test while taking Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone. Also, check your breast every month for changes such as if you feel lumps, see anything odd, please inform your doctor. If you need to undergo any surgery, please inform your doctor as Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone needs to be stopped 4-6 weeks before the surgery to avoid any risk of blood clots. If you smoke, are obese, have a history of blood clots, do not use Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone. Also, do not stop taking Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone before completing its full course, even if you feel your symptoms are better. If you see swelling or pain in your limbs, chest pain, or shortness of breath, please inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if your periods do not start within a week after taking Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone. Also, tell about all the medicines you are taking to your doctor before starting Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone. Do not take Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone if you are pregnant already or breastfeeding. If you have missed a dose or are late by 12 hours, please wear a condom for 2 days while sexual intercourse to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interaction: Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone may interact with anti-fungal medicine (griseofulvin, rifampicin), anti-viral medicines (ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine), anti-epileptic (lamotrigine), anti-epilepsy medicines(primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate).
Drug-Food Interaction: Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone may interact with St. John’s Wort (a herbal remedy for depression).
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have or ever had liver or kidney problems, hypertension, heart problem, blood clot in any body part (lung, leg), diabetes mellitus, migraine, abnormal uterine bleeding, or breast cancer.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeEthinylestradiol+cyproterone also acts as a contraceptive, so it should not be taken if you are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionEthinylestradiol+cyproterone should be used with caution if using it for PCOS. Other forms of contraception should be used instead of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone if you are breastfeeding,
Driving
safe if prescribedEthinylestradiol+cyproterone is not known to affect driving ability.
Liver
cautionEthinylestradiol+cyproterone to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionEthinylestradiol+cyproterone to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionEthinylestradiol+cyproterone is not recommended for children. Safety and efficacy of Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone are established in women of reproductive age. Please seek medical advice.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with a body mass index (BMI) of 19.5-24.9.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol is the best strategy to lower the risk of any complications.
- Do regular exercise to maintain weight fluctuations caused due to Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks, plenty of fluids, and fruits in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
- In overweight women, the symptoms of PCOS and the overall risk of developing long-term health problems from PCOS can be greatly reduced by losing excess weight.
Special Advise
- Discontinue using any birth control pills, Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone also acts as a contraceptive.
- Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Sunlight may intensify this darkening, and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition, which affects how women's ovaries work. It is characterized by irregular and painful periods, excess androgen in the blood (leading to excessive facial hair and acne), and polycystic ovaries (ovaries become enlarge and the egg become surrounded by fluid-filled sacs).
Contraception: It is a procedure that aims to prevent pregnancy. A woman can only get pregnant if a man sperm fertilizes her egg. Contraception aims to prevent this from happening by keeping egg and sperm apart by stopping egg production or not letting the uterus wall become thick. As a result, no fertilization takes place, so contraception is a safe method for family planning.
FAQs
Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is a combination of two hormonal drugs, ethinylestradiol, and cyproterone. Cyproterone works by blocking a male hormone named androgen overproduction in the ovaries and reducing unwanted facial hair growth and acne. Ethinylestradiol, on the other hand, acts as an enhancer. It enhances the effect of cyproterone by reducing the amount of androgens in the blood. Collectively, they both effectively treat the symptoms of PCOS.
No, Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone does not protect against sexually transmitted disease. It is an oral form of contraception that does not protect against STDs. So, use some other form of contraception to avoid transmission.
While taking Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone, do not smoke and use a condom to avoid any sexually transmitted disease from your partner. Also, do not take St.Wort plant (a natural remedy to treat depression).
Yes, Ethinylestradiol+cyproterone is known to cause weight gain. So, to avoid weight gain, do regular exercise, and eat home-cooked food.
If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. If the dose was missed by more than 12 hours, you should not take the missed dose and simply continue the usual dosing schedule. please wear a condom for 2 days while you If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. If the dose was missed by more than 12 hours, you should not take the missed dose and simply continue the usual dosing schedule. Use other protective methods as advised by your doctor during sexual intercourse to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
