How do you take Ethinylestradiol; Cyproterone Acetate?

Take one tablet daily at the same time each day for 21 days, then stop for 7 days (during which you will have your period). Start a new pack on the 8th day whether or not your period has finished. Swallow the tablet whole with water — you can take it with or without food. Start on the first day of your period for immediate protection.

What are the side effects of Ethinylestradiol; Cyproterone Acetate?

Headache, breast tenderness or swelling, nausea or feeling like vomiting, slight weight gain, and mood changes or feeling low

Who should not take Ethinylestradiol; Cyproterone Acetate?

Women who have or have had blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or liver disease. Women with a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers. Smokers over age 35, women with uncontrolled high blood pressure, women with diabetes with blood vessel damage, and anyone allergic to cyproterone acetate or ethinylestradiol. Men should not take this medication.

Prescription

Combined hormonal contraceptive and anti-androgen

Ethinylestradiol; Cyproterone Acetate

Q: What is Ethinylestradiol; Cyproterone Acetate used for?

Severe acne that doesn't respond to other treatments, excessive facial or body hair in women (hirsutism), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms, and it also works as a contraceptive (prevents pregnancy) while treating these conditions

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

This is a combination pill containing two hormones — cyproterone acetate (an anti-androgen) and ethinylestradiol (an estrogen). It works by reducing the effects of male-type hormones (androgens) in a woman's body and also prevents pregnancy.

What is it used for?

Severe acne that doesn't respond to other treatmentsexcessive facial or body hair in women (hirsutism)polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptomsand it also works as a contraceptive (prevents pregnancy) while treating these conditions

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Contraception & Family Planning Acne & Pimples

How it works

Blocks androgen receptors and inhibits 5-alpha reductase enzyme while ethinylestradiol suppresses gonadotropins (FSH/LH), reducing ovarian androgen production; combined effect decreases sebum production and androgenic symptoms while preventing ovulation for contraceptive efficacy.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Only buy from registered pharmacies — avoid buying from roadside sellers or unverified online stores, as fake hormonal pills are common in Nigeria. Do not share this medication with friends even if they have similar symptoms, as it requires proper medical assessment. If you are scheduled for surgery, tell your doctor you are taking this drug, as it may increase the risk of blood clots.

Common Side Effects

Headache
breast tenderness or swelling
nausea or feeling like vomiting
slight weight gain
and mood changes or feeling low

Serious Side Effects

Sudden severe chest pain or difficulty breathing (could be a blood clot in the lungs)
sudden severe headache or vision problems (could be a stroke)
and severe pain or swelling in one leg (could be a deep vein blood clot) — go to the hospital immediately if you notice any of these.

Drug Interactions

Some antibiotics like rifampicin (used for TB treatment) can make this pill less effective, so you may need extra contraception. Anticonvulsants like carbamazepine and phenytoin can also reduce its effectiveness. St. John's wort (a herbal supplement) should be avoided as it can stop the pill from working properly.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding — it is not safe and you should consult your doctor immediately.

Who Should NOT Take This

Women who have or have had blood clots
stroke
heart attack
or liver disease. Women with a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers. Smokers over age 35
women with uncontrolled high blood pressure
women with diabetes with blood vessel damage
and anyone allergic to cyproterone acetate or ethinylestradiol. Men should not take this medication.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C — away from direct sunlight and humidity, which is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Keep out of the reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.