Co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel
"An oral contraceptive paired with a gel you apply to your skin daily. Co-cyprindiol is a hormonal treatment that can be more effective than oral antibiotics in treating acne for some women. It’s the active ingredient in the branded pills Dianette and Clairette. Adapalene anti-bacterial gel is also widely known as Differin."
What are co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel?
Co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel is a combination treatment for women with acne. By taking a contraceptive pill and using a retinoid gel at the same time, you get an effective treatment for both the cause and appearance of your acne.
Co-cyprindiol is the active ingredient in the branded pills Dianette and Clairette, and adapalene is also widely known as Differin gel.
How do they work?
Co-cyprindiol contains the anti-androgen cyproterone, which works to clear acne by reducing the amount of androgen you produce.
Adapalene gel is a retinoid for the skin (topical) that works to reduce the appearance of acne by:
- Exfoliating to remove dead skin
- Unblocking pores
- Reducing inflammation, blackheads, and whiteheads
How to use co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel
Co-cyprindiol will act as a contraceptive as well as a treatment for your acne if taken correctly. This means taking co-cyprindiol on the first day of your period, then for 21 consecutive days at around the same time each day, followed by a 7-day break. Our clinicians will share more details about how to take co-cyprindiol.
You should use the adapalene gel alongside co-cyprindiol, treating the affected area daily. Apply a thin layer of gel to freshly washed and dried skin just before going to bed.
Treatment results
As it deals with the causes and symptoms of acne, this combination treatment can be highly effective. It works especially well on blackheads and whiteheads, and the small red, sore spots called papules. As it can take 4-12 weeks before you start to see any change to your skin, it’s worth persevering.
This combination works best if you take the co-cyprindiol pill at the same time each day and apply adapalene gel every night.
Side effects of co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel
As with all contraceptive pills, some women may experience side effects when taking co-cyprindiol. These include nausea, an increase in body weight, headaches, changes to mood and sore breasts.
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using Adapalene gel. These include skin irritation, dryness, a burning sensation or redness. It can also make skin more sensitive to sunlight. So, try to protect yourself from the sun, use oil-free SPF 50 sunscreen, and avoid sunbeds or sun lamps.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel patient information leaflets. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
An effective combination treatment for women
The co-cyprindiol combined pill protects against pregnancy and helps prevent acne
Adapalene gel helps renew skin cells to keep pores clear and works to reduce inflammation
What are co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel?
Co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel is a combination treatment for women with acne. By taking a contraceptive pill and using a retinoid gel at the same time, you get an effective treatment for both the cause and appearance of your acne.
Co-cyprindiol is the active ingredient in the branded pills Dianette and Clairette, and adapalene is also widely known as Differin gel.
How do they work?
Co-cyprindiol contains the anti-androgen cyproterone, which works to clear acne by reducing the amount of androgen you produce.
Adapalene gel is a retinoid for the skin (topical) that works to reduce the appearance of acne by:
- Exfoliating to remove dead skin
- Unblocking pores
- Reducing inflammation, blackheads, and whiteheads
How to use co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel
Co-cyprindiol will act as a contraceptive as well as a treatment for your acne if taken correctly. This means taking co-cyprindiol on the first day of your period, then for 21 consecutive days at around the same time each day, followed by a 7-day break. Our clinicians will share more details about how to take co-cyprindiol.
You should use the adapalene gel alongside co-cyprindiol, treating the affected area daily. Apply a thin layer of gel to freshly washed and dried skin just before going to bed.
Treatment results
As it deals with the causes and symptoms of acne, this combination treatment can be highly effective. It works especially well on blackheads and whiteheads, and the small red, sore spots called papules. As it can take 4-12 weeks before you start to see any change to your skin, it’s worth persevering.
This combination works best if you take the co-cyprindiol pill at the same time each day and apply adapalene gel every night.
Side effects of co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel
As with all contraceptive pills, some women may experience side effects when taking co-cyprindiol. These include nausea, an increase in body weight, headaches, changes to mood and sore breasts.
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using Adapalene gel. These include skin irritation, dryness, a burning sensation or redness. It can also make skin more sensitive to sunlight. So, try to protect yourself from the sun, use oil-free SPF 50 sunscreen, and avoid sunbeds or sun lamps.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel patient information leaflets. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel FAQs
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Who can take co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel?
Co-cyprindiol is a hormonal acne treatment for women up to the age of 50. However, we only prescribe to adults over 18 years old. It can be more effective than antibiotics in treating severe acne, as it reduces the oiliness of your skin.
Adapalene gel is used to treat acne in those aged 12 and over. It works to remove dead skin cells and unblock pores, allowing oils to escape so blackheads and spots are less likely to form. Please note we only prescribe to adults over 18 years old.
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Can I use co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel while pregnant or breastfeeding?
You shouldn't take co-cyprindiol or use adapalene gel while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you think you could be pregnant, we advise taking a test before starting this treatment.
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Where can I buy co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel (Differin)?
You’ll need a prescription to buy co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel, if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe these medications after an online consultation where we make sure they’re right for you. It only takes a few minutes.
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Co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel (Differin) warnings
Co-cyprindiol
Taking co-cyprindiol can make certain conditions worse for some people, so tell your clinician if:
- You, or someone in your close family, has ever had problems with your heart or circulation, such as high blood pressure.
- You, or someone in your close family, has ever had problems with blood clotting.
- You’ve ever had migraines.
- You currently have depression or have had it in the past.
There are other instances where this contraceptive pill may not be suitable, and our clinicians can advise on this in a consultation.
Adapalene gel
- Don’t use the gel on cut or grazed areas of skin.
- Don’t use it if you have eczema.
- Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth, nostrils, or other sensitive areas of the body (wash immediately with warm water if it does happen).
- If you experience sensitivity or irritation, stop using the gel and tell your clinician (they may recommend applying less often or to pause until the symptoms go away).
- Avoid artificial UV light or prolonged exposure to sunlight while using adapalene.
If you’re unsure about any of the above, please speak to your clinician.
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Does co-cyprindiol and adapalene gel interact with any other medications?
So our clinicians can prescribe an effective and safe acne treatment, you’ll need to let us know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re taking regularly. This includes any medications for other skin conditions like eczema.
Taking certain other medications at the same time as co-cyprindiol can make it less effective in protecting against pregnancy.
While using adapalene gel, you should avoid medications that contain tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene. They may increase skin irritation and dryness. If you’re also using any other topical treatments, apply those in the morning and adapalene at night.
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Alternative acne treatments
Our clinicians can also prescribe oral antibiotics to treat your acne alongside a gel or cream, tailoring the right combination for your needs. Medications you apply to your skin (topical) may also work on their own, depending on how serious your acne is and what’s causing it.
Delivery and collection information
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Standard delivery (Free)
Packages will be delivered within 2-3 working days of your order being approved.
You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.
If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:
- Post your parcel through your letter box
- Deliver to neighbour
- Deliver to your chosen safe place
If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver the next working day.
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Next day delivery (£4.95)
Mainland UK
- Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive the next day (Tuesday - Saturday).
- Orders approved up to 11am Saturday will arrive on Sunday.
- Orders approved after 11am Saturday and all-day Sunday will arrive Tuesday.
Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Scottish Highlands, Channel Islands and other offshore UK destinations:
- Please allow an additional 24 to 48 hours for offshore UK destinations
You’ll be contacted by your courier when they know when they’ll be delivering your package. You can update your delivery preferences in the Royal Mail app to enable delivery to a neighbour or leave in a safe place if you won't be in.
If you’re not present when Royal Mail deliver your treatment, they will:
- Post your parcel through your letter box
- Deliver to neighbour
- Deliver to your chosen safe place
If none of these options are feasible, Royal Mail will attempt to deliver to you the next working day.
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Click and Collect (Free)
If your order is approved by 5pm Monday-Friday, you should be able to pick it up the same day from selected pharmacies - provided they have your treatment in stock.
We suggest you ring your chosen pharmacy before you go to collect your treatment, just to make sure they have it in stock and ready.
