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Dianette

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Dianette

Dianette is used to treat moderate to severe acne (with or without very oily skin) and excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women of reproductive age. For acne, it is only used when other treatments, including treatments applied to the skin and antibiotics, have not worked. Dianette is a combined hormonal pill, so it also prevents pregnancy while you take it, and it should only be prescribed if a hormonal contraceptive is also suitable for you.

  • Combined hormonal pill that also works as contraception
  • Used to treat skin conditions and hair growth

Buy Dianette Online

You can buy Dianette here at Pharmacy Online. Our online pharmacists can prescribe you Dianette or another appropriate contraceptive based on your requirements. Simply start a consultation to begin your order.

  • For female use only
  • For acne, only used after other treatments have not worked

Dianette is used to treat moderate to severe acne and excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women of reproductive age, and it also works as a contraceptive pill while you take it. Dianette contains the active ingredients cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol, which form a well-known combination called cyprindiol.

Dianette prevents pregnancy through a combination of effects:

  • By preventing the egg’s release from the ovaries.
  • By thickening the cervix’s mucus lining
  • By thinning the womb’s lining, preventing an egg from growing in it

The Dianette contraceptive pill is taken over a regular course of 21 days followed by a 7-day break. This process is then repeated in order to stay protected against pregnancy.

For acne, Dianette should only be used when other treatments, including treatments applied to the skin and antibiotics, have not worked.

Do not take Dianette with any other hormonal contraceptive.

It usually takes at least three months for your symptoms to improve. Your prescriber will check regularly whether you still need to take Dianette.

Before taking Dianette, or any contraceptive pill, you will need to measure your weight and blood pressure, as this can affect which pill is best for you.

You can purchase home blood pressure kits or visit a local pharmacy to get a free blood pressure check. You will also be asked questions regarding your health history, including migraines, smoking, a family history of stroke or heart attack, and breast cancer.

There are possible risks of side effects associated with taking Dianette tablets. There is always a risk of side effects with all medications. Some of these can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects. Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking oral contraceptives.

Common side effects include:

  • Spotting in the first few months
  • Headaches
  • Mood changes
  • Weight changes
  • Nausea
  • Breast tenderness
  • Changes in libido

There are some serious side effects associated with taking oral contraceptives. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Changes to the breast such as discolouration around the nipple or lumps
  • Swelling in the lower leg that is inflamed and hot to the touch
  • Signs of a blood clot - the risk with Dianette is higher than with some other combined pills, especially in the first year. Get urgent medical help straight away if you have: pain or swelling in one leg (a clot in the leg); sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood (a clot in the lung); chest pain or heaviness spreading to the arm, jaw or back (heart attack); sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking or sudden problems with your sight (stroke)
  • Discomfort and bleeding after sex
What should I do if I miss a dose of the Dianette contraceptive pill?

If you have missed a dose of the Dianette contraceptive pill, your next steps will depend on whether you have missed just one or more doses.

If you are less than 12 hours late with a pill, take it straight away and keep taking your pills at the usual time, even if this means taking two pills in one day. Your protection against pregnancy should not be reduced. If you are more than 12 hours late with a pill, or you have missed more than one pill, your protection may be reduced. Take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember, carry on taking a pill every day at your usual time, and use extra contraception such as condoms for the next seven days. If you reach the end of a strip during these seven days, start the next strip without the usual seven-day break.

When should I start taking the Dianette contraceptive pill?

You should start taking Dianette on the first day of your period. By starting this way, you will be protected against pregnancy from your first pill.

If you start taking Dianette later on in your cycle, you should still continue to use other forms of contraception such as condoms to prevent pregnancy.

Can I buy Dianette online when breastfeeding?

No. Do not take Dianette if you are breastfeeding. Speak to a member of the team about the options available to you.

Can oral contraceptives cause breast cancer?

Some types of the pill have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, our dedicated team can help you choose a contraceptive option that is appropriate for you.

Does the combined pill cause weight gain?

Side effects differ from person to person when using oral contraceptives. Weight gain may occur but can be managed with regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Will the pill affect my fertility?

Normal fertility resumes as soon as you stop taking the pill.

How does Dianette help acne?

Dianette is also prescribed to women who have not responded to other treatments for acne. It helps treat acne by reducing androgens, a type of hormone that can cause acne. This helps to reduce the amount of sebum that androgens produce, which as a result, prevents sebum from blocking the skin’s pores and developing into acne.

Leaflets

Before taking Dianette or any medicines, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.

Dianette Patient Information Leaflet

Umar Razzaq, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Clinical Pharmacist.
Content Written by:Umar RazzaqMPharm | GPhC Reg: 2064448 | University Of Strathclyde
Date Written:12/06/2026
Role:Clinical Pharmacist
Nish Fayyaz, MPharm | University of Strathclyde, Pharmacist.
Medically Reviewed By:Nish FayyazMPharm | GPhC Reg: 2225257 | University Of Strathclyde
Date Checked:12/06/2026
Role:Pharmacist
Fully inspected and regulated service
UK registered pharmacy
Approved UK-licensed treatments
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