GENERIC NAME: ETHINYL ESTRADIOL - CYPROTERONE - ORAL (ETH-in-ill ess-truh-DYE-ohl/sye-PRO-turr-own)
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using this medication increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using this medication. The risk of heart problems increases with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 cigarettes per day or greater).
USES: This product is a hormone combination used to treat women with severe acne who have not responded to other treatments, and to treat women with a moderately severe condition known as hirsutism, which is male-pattern hair growth. This medication is not to be used just for birth control purposes, due to the possibility of increased side effects (such as blood clots). Once the treated condition (severe acne or hirsutism) is under control, this medication should be stopped 3 or 4 menstrual cycles later. It should not be continued indefinitely. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, once a day, at the same time each day; or take as directed by your doctor. If this is your first time using this medicine, take your first dose on the first day of your period (menstruation) and continue each day for 21 days until all the tablets are taken. Wait 7 days and begin another packet. Menstrual bleeding should occur during the 7 days without medication. Each new packet should begin on the same day of the week that started the previous course, regardless of whether your period has begun. Wait 7 days after finishing each packet before starting the next packet. It may take up to several months of continued use to notice a relief in symptoms. If you are unsure how to use this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, cramps, headache, breast tenderness, change in sexual desire, or mid-cycle (breakthrough) bleeding/spotting may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: swelling or pain in the legs, dizziness, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, one-sided weakness, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, stomach/abdominal pain, mental/mood changes, an unusual change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control - Read about hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, the patch, birth control injection, and vaginal ring. The hormones used in hormonal birth control are estrogen and/or progesterone.
- Acne (Pimples) - Learn acne causes, treatment information and types: comedones, whiteheads, blackheads, zits, pustules and cystic acne. Folliculitis and rosacea may look like pimples, but they're different conditions.
- Sexual Health: FAQs About Sex and Relationships - Read about the frequently asked questions about sex and relationshiops. What are the most common causes of sex problems among couples? What causes sexual problems in women?
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Specialty RSS
Interactive Slideshows