Dianette

Dianette Online in the UK

By Clinical Pharmacist Tyson Wilkman

You can request Dianette contraceptive pills online through our online doctor and pharmacy service. We are registered in the UK and provide an easy and convenient way to get your Dianette online. Complete a short assessment and if appropriate, our doctor will issue a prescription to our pharmacy. Our pharmacy will then dispense and send your medicine to you via the Royal Mail service.

What is Dianette?

The Dianette pill is a hormonal contraceptive pill known as a combined oral contraceptive. It is used to treat skin conditions such as excessive hair growth, acne and excessively oily skin as well as protecting from pregnancy. 

How does it work?

For the treatment of skin conditions, it works by the anti-androgenic properties of one of its active ingredients, cyproterone acetate. 

Androgens are hormones that can cause hair growth and oil production in skin glands. Dianette lowers the number of androgens that can affect the skin in this way, improving acne, excess hair growth and oily skin.
For contraception, it works much like other combined pills, where ethinylestradiol (estrogen), prevents ovulation and the cyproterone (progesterone), makes it difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix due to the thickening of the natural mucus in the area.

How to use Dianette?

Take one pill at the same time every day for 21 sequential days. Swallow each pill whole, do not crush or chew. After 21 days, have 7 days pill-free. Within 2-3 days of being pill-free, you will have a withdrawal bleed, much like a period. 

Dianette pill side effects

Combined oral contraceptives can have some side effects in some people. Not all people will experience side effects, however, if you do experience side effects it’s important you discuss them with your GP.

Some less serious side effects are:

• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Weight gain/ fluid retention
• Libido changes

Some more serious side effects can include:

• Increased risk of blood clots
• Depression
• Increased incidence of breast cancer
• Allergic reactions

If you notice any serious side effects, stop taking Dianette and seek medical advice immediately.

Is Dianette effective?

It is officially listed as a treatment for acne and contraception in the UK. For skin conditions and acne, the results may take a few months to become noticeable. For contraception, Dianette can be up to 99% effective if taken properly.

Dianette Warnings and Precautions

Do not use Dianette if you:

• Have any allergies to any of the ingredients
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have had a blood clot
• Have had a medical condition that affects your blood vessels or risk of pulmonary embolism
• Have had breast cancer

For a full list of warnings read the patient information leaflet.

Dianette alternatives

It should only be used for skin conditions after trials of other anti-acne treatments including antibiotics and on skin treatments.

For contraceptive methods, there are plenty of similar alternative pills which may be more suited to particular patients.

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative treatments for your condition.

Dianette summary

What are the side effects of the Contraceptive Pill?

While side effects are usually uncommon and mild in nature, it is best to be aware of any that may occur. Some of the most common side effects include mood swings, headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness.  

For a full list of side effects and more information, you can read the NHS Choices site on contraception. Alternatively, see the patient information leaflet for your pill.

What are the advantages of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?

The combined oral contraceptive can help to make periods lighter, less painful and more regular. When taken correctly the combined pill is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It can also help reduce the risk of womb and ovarian cancer.

What are the disadvantages of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?

The combined oral contraceptive can cause side effects including breast pain, spotting, and nausea. Other side effects such as headaches and mood swings are also common.

What are the advantages of the Progesterone only contraceptive?

One advantage of the progestogen-only pill is that it has a lower likelihood of side effects because it does not contain oestrogen. It can also be used by women who are unable to take oestrogen. Women who are breastfeeding can take the progestogen-only pill at the same time.

What are the disadvantages of the Progesterone only contraceptive?

The mini pill has to be taken at the same time every day. If you are more than 3 hours late (or 12 hours for the desogestrel pill), it may not be effective. It may cause periods to be irregular, they may stop altogether or get more frequent.

Which pill is right for me?

Prescribers will take a thorough medical history before choosing the right contraceptive pill for you. For most people, the combined contraceptive pill works best. For those who are over 35, smoke, suffer from migraine or have other risk factors, the progesterone-only pill may be more suitable. Talk to your doctor to discuss the best course of action for contraception.

Am I protected against pregnancy straight away?

Some pills, if taken correctly, will provide protection immediately, while others take time to provide contraceptive cover. Refer to the patient information leaflet of your pill to find out when you are protected on your pill.

Do I still need to use a condom?

Although you will be covered against pregnancy with the pill, it is always advised to use a condom. This is to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. No contraceptive pill will protect against sexually transmitted infections.

I forgot to take my pill – what should I do?

You should always take your pill around the same time each day to ensure maximum contraceptive cover. Different pills vary in the amount of time you can delay your dose. Always refer to your prescribed medication’s patient information leaflet to find more detailed information relating to missed doses.

Where can I get the contraceptive pill in the UK?

In the UK, you should speak to a GP or visit a sexual health clinic if you would like to get the contraceptive pill prescribed. This is free via the NHS.

You can order the contraceptive pill online from Simple Online Pharmacy if you have already been prescribed it by your doctor. You must complete a medical assessment form for our doctors to review. They can use this to make sure it is safe and suitable for you to take. We offer delivery (including next working day options) via the Royal Mail. 

Content Reviewed: 14/01/2021

Before taking any medicine, you should read the patient information leaflet which will provide you with the full manufacturer details.

• Dianette PIL