ciproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol

Ciproterone acetate + ethinylestradiol is a fixed-dose combination oral medication containing two active ingredients: ciproterone acetate, a synthetic steroidal antiandrogen and progestogen, and ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen. This combination is primarily used in women of reproductive age to treat conditions associated with androgen excess such as moderate to severe acne, seborrhea (oily skin), hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) when other treatments have failed. It also provides effective contraception during treatment for these conditions[1][4][6][7][8]. Mechanistically, ciproterone acetate acts by blocking androgen receptors and suppressing ovarian androgen production via negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Ethinylestradiol increases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, reducing free circulating androgens[5]. The combination regularizes menstrual cycles in PCOS patients. The product carries an increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to some other contraceptives[7]. It should not be used solely for contraception or in women with contraindications to estrogen/progestogen therapy.

Brand names

Diane-35Diane35Diane 35Estelle-35Estelle35Estelle 35Estelle-35 EDEstelle35 EDEstelle 35 EDCuestra-35Cuestra35Cuestra 35KrimsonGinetteMY PillElestraFrewilCARpelaCysteliaEstranonFemigrace

Other names

cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol