Co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid combination
"An oral contraceptive paired with a gel you apply to your skin daily. Co-cyprindiol protects you against pregnancy and is also known under the brands Dianette and Clairette. Azelaic acid gel is also widely known as Finacea. It gently exfoliates and helps improve your skin’s appearance."
What are co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel?
Co-cyprindiol is a combined oral contraceptive pill. Azelaic acid gel is used for mild to moderate acne and is generally much gentler on the skin than other acne treatments.
Co-cyprindiol is the active ingredient in the branded pills Dianette and Clairette and azelaic acid gel is also widely known as Finacea.
How do they work?
Co-cyprindiol is a contraceptive pill that helps to block hormones that cause acne. Azelaic acid gel is a chemical exfoliator that removes dead skin and acne-causing oil blockages from your pores. It also kills the bacteria that often cause inflammation and pus buildups. Together, the two medications work to treat acne that has formed and to prevent new spots.
How to take co-cyprindiol
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.
How to use co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel
Apply azelaic acid gel to clean and dry skin twice daily, in the morning and the evening. Regular use is important, so make sure you use it continuously throughout your course of treatment.
Treatment results
Azelaic acid gel is most effective when treating small red spots (papules) and white tipped spots (pustules), and for those with sensitive skin. Co-cyprindiol is effective for women who experience hormonal acne, as it blocks the hormones that are most likely to cause acne flare ups. It’s important to use both treatments as directed to get the best results.
Side effects of co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel
As with all contraceptive pills, some women may experience side effects when taking co-cyprindiol. These include changes in mood, an increase in body weight, headaches, nausea, and sore breasts. For some people, applying azelaic acid gel can cause redness, dry skin and irritation.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel patient information leaflets. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
What should I do if I get side effects?
You should message your clinician in your Patient Record if you get any side effects that you think are from taking co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel. If you experience any severe side effects, you should speak to your doctor.
Product features
An effective combination treatment for women only
The co-cyprindiol contraceptive pill helps prevent hormonal acne
Azelaic acid gel helps stop new acne forming
What are co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel?
Co-cyprindiol is a combined oral contraceptive pill. Azelaic acid gel is used for mild to moderate acne and is generally much gentler on the skin than other acne treatments.
Co-cyprindiol is the active ingredient in the branded pills Dianette and Clairette and azelaic acid gel is also widely known as Finacea.
How do they work?
Co-cyprindiol is a contraceptive pill that helps to block hormones that cause acne. Azelaic acid gel is a chemical exfoliator that removes dead skin and acne-causing oil blockages from your pores. It also kills the bacteria that often cause inflammation and pus buildups. Together, the two medications work to treat acne that has formed and to prevent new spots.
How to take co-cyprindiol
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.
How to use co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel
Apply azelaic acid gel to clean and dry skin twice daily, in the morning and the evening. Regular use is important, so make sure you use it continuously throughout your course of treatment.
Treatment results
Azelaic acid gel is most effective when treating small red spots (papules) and white tipped spots (pustules), and for those with sensitive skin. Co-cyprindiol is effective for women who experience hormonal acne, as it blocks the hormones that are most likely to cause acne flare ups. It’s important to use both treatments as directed to get the best results.
Side effects of co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel
As with all contraceptive pills, some women may experience side effects when taking co-cyprindiol. These include changes in mood, an increase in body weight, headaches, nausea, and sore breasts. For some people, applying azelaic acid gel can cause redness, dry skin and irritation.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel patient information leaflets. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
What should I do if I get side effects?
You should message your clinician in your Patient Record if you get any side effects that you think are from taking co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel. If you experience any severe side effects, you should speak to your doctor.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
Choose next-day delivery, or click & collect from your local pharmacy
Co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid combination FAQs
-
How long do co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel take to work?
You may notice an improvement within 4-6 weeks. If you don’t see this, or your acne gets worse, message your clinician in your Patient Record.
-
Who can take co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel?
This combination treatment is most likely to be prescribed to women up to the age of 50 with moderate to severe hormonal acne, especially those with sensitive skin. Please note we only prescribe to adults over 18 years old.
-
Can I use co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel while pregnant or breastfeeding?
You shouldn't take co-cyprindiol or use azelaic acid gel while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
-
Where can I buy co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel (Finacea)?
You’ll need a prescription to buy co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid 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.
-
Co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel (Finacea) warnings
Azelaic acid gel
Your clinician will share any warnings with you, but please note:
- The gel is for use on your skin only. Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth and the thin skin around body openings called mucous membranes.
- Remember to always wash your hands after you apply the gel.
- In rare cases, those with asthma who were treated with azelaic acid reported worsening symptoms.
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 is not suitable, and our clinicians can advise on this in a consultation.
-
Do co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid 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. When using azelaic acid gel, it’s best to avoid:
- Other acne treatments you apply to your skin (topical) unless prescribed by your clinician.
- Harsh skincare products like scrubs and peels.
- Cleansers with high levels of alcohol that can dry out skin.
-
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 work on their own, depending on how serious your acne is and what’s causing it.
Delivery and collection information
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
