Cyprodiol tablet is a combination medication used for skin-related issues in women, such as acne and unwanted hair growth on the body (face, and chest). It is also used to regulate the menstrual cycle and breast development. Following are some common and off-label uses of Cyprodiol Tablet:

Common Uses of Cyrodiol Tablet

  1. Hormonal Contraception: Cyprodiol tablet is used as an oral contraceptive pill. It prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to impede sperm movement, and altering the uterine lining to make it less receptive to implantation.
  2. Hirsutism: Cyprodiol tablet is used to treat hirsutism, which is the abnormal growth of hair in areas where it is typically seen in males (such as the face, chest, and back) in females. The anti-androgenic properties of cyproterone acetate help reduce excessive hair growth.
  3. Acne: Cyprodiol tablet is sometimes prescribed to treat severe cases of acne in females who are unresponsive to other treatments. The anti-androgenic effect helps reduce sebum production and, subsequently, acne lesions.
  4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Cyprodiol tablet can be used in the management of PCOS, a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances, and irregular menstrual cycles, and often associated with symptoms like hirsutism and acne.
  5. Androgenetic Alopecia: Cyprodiol tablet may be used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss) in females, particularly when it is related to elevated androgen levels.
  6. Menstrual Irregularities: In some cases, Cyprodiol tablet is used to regulate irregular menstrual cycles, especially in conditions associated with hormonal imbalances.
  7. Severe Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Cyprodiol tablets may be prescribed in severe cases of PMS or PMDD to help alleviate emotional and physical symptoms.

Off-label Uses of Cyprodiol Tablet

  1. Treatment of Severe Endometriosis: In some cases, Cyprodiol tablets may be considered for the management of severe endometriosis. In this condition, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
  2. Treatment of Premature Ovarian Failure: Cyprodiol tablet may be used off-label to manage hormonal imbalances in cases of premature ovarian failure, a condition where the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40.
  3. Treatment of Alopecia Androgenetica in Males: In some cases of male-pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), Cyprodiol tablet may be considered as an off-label treatment, particularly if it’s related to elevated androgen levels.
  4. Treatment of Gender Dysphoria: In some transgender individuals, Cyprodiol tablets might be used off-label as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), although other hormonal combinations are more commonly used.
  5. Management of Hormonal Imbalances in Non-Contraceptive Settings: In some situations where hormonal imbalances are contributing to health issues, Cyprodiol tablets might be considered off-label for hormonal regulation.
Cyprodiol Tablet Uses and Indications

What is Cyprodiol?

Cyprodiol is a combination of two hormones Cyproterone and Ethinyl Estradiol, manufactured and marketed by Saffron Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Cyprodiol Tablet’s Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

Below are some available similar brands that can be used as an alternative to Cyprodiol tablet:

  • Diane 35 : Bayer Schering Pharma.
  • Acnot : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
  • Fam 21 : Mass Pharma (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
  • Eva 35 : Hansel Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd. Pakistan
  • Femestelle 35 : Seatle Pharma Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Hytrade-C : Hygeia Pharmaceuticals. Pakistan

Cyprodiol : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Cyprodiol is available in Tablet form.

Each Cyprodiol Tablet Contains:

  • Cyproterone: 2mg
  • Ethinyl estradiol: 35mcg

Who Should Not Use Cyprodiol? – Contraindications

Cyprodiol tablets have specific contraindications, meaning there are situations or conditions where the medication should not be used.

  1. Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to cyproterone acetate, ethinyl estradiol, or any of the inactive ingredients in Cyprodiol tablets should not use it.
  2. Thromboembolic Disorders: Cyprodiol tablets are contraindicated in individuals with a history of or current thromboembolic disorders (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
  3. History of Stroke or Myocardial Infarction: Cyprodiol tablets should not be used in individuals with a history of stroke or heart attack.
  4. Severe Hypertension: Cyprodiol tablet is contraindicated in individuals with severe or uncontrolled hypertension.
  5. History of Migraine with Aura: Cyprodiol tablet is contraindicated in individuals with a history of migraine with focal neurological symptoms (aura).
  6. Liver Disease: Cyprodiol tablets are contraindicated in individuals with severe liver disease or a history of liver tumors.
  7. Current or History of Breast Cancer: Cyprodiol tablet should not be used in individuals with current or a history of breast cancer.
  8. Known or Suspected Hormone-Dependent Tumors: Cyprodiol tablet is contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hormone-dependent tumors.
  9. Undiagnosed Vaginal Bleeding: Cyprodiol tablet should not be used in cases of undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
  10. Smokers Over Age 35: Use of Cyprodiol tablet is generally contraindicated in women who smoke and are over the age of 35 due to an increased risk of serious cardiovascular side effects.
  11. Diabetes with Vascular Involvement: Cyprodiol tablet should be used with caution in individuals with diabetes with vascular involvement.
  12. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cyprodiol tablet should not be used during pregnancy and is contraindicated in breastfeeding women.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Cyprodiol Tablet?

Cyprodiol tablet is used for hormonal contraception and related purposes, a common dosage is:

  • One Tablet Daily: One tablet is taken daily, at around the same time each day, for 21 consecutive days.

After taking Cyprodiol tablets for 21 days, there is usually a 7-day break during which no tablets are taken. During this time, withdrawal bleeding similar to a menstrual period may occur.

  • Start of New Pack: After the 7-day break, a new pack of tablets is started, regardless of whether the bleeding has stopped.

How Cyprodiol Works?

Cyprodiol tablets work by a combination of two mechanisms (Its active ingredients):

  • Cyproterone is a progestin that works by blocking the effects of testosterone, a male hormone that can worsen acne and cause extra hair growth. Cyproterone does this by binding to the androgen receptors in the body, which are the receptors that testosterone normally binds to. When cyproterone binds to the androgen receptors, it blocks testosterone from binding and having its effects.
  • Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen that helps to balance the effects of cyproterone on the menstrual cycle. Ethinyl estradiol does this by binding to the estrogen receptors in the body, which are the receptors that estrogen normally binds to. When ethinyl estradiol binds to the estrogen receptors, it mimics the effects of estrogen.