Clairette Pill (Cyproterone / Ethinylestradiol)

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Clairette Pill (Cyproterone / Ethinylestradiol) is a medication used to treat skin conditions like acne, oily skin, increased facial hair in women and can also act as a birth control pill (contraceptive). '.

If you think a Clairette Pill is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

How do I buy Clairette online?

You can safely buy Clairette online from UK Meds. Before your order is supplied, you will need to complete an online consultation with a registered independent prescriber. This ensures that Clairette is the right medication for you and is safe based on your medical history.

Can I get Clairette on subscription?

Yes, UK Meds offers a subscription service for Clairette. This means you can have your medication delivered regularly without having to reorder, ensuring you never run out. Plus, subscribing can help you save money on repeat purchases.

What is Clairette?

Clairette Contraceptive Pill

Clairette is a hormone-based medication used to treat acne, oily skin, and excessive hair growth in women. It also works as a contraceptive, providing protection against pregnancy.

How does Clairette work?

Clairette contains anti-androgens, which help reduce the effects of androgens (male hormones) that can lead to excessive oil production and acne. By balancing these hormones, Clairette helps clear skin, reduce breakouts, and improve overall skin health.

What are the benefits of taking Clairette?

• Improves skin health – helps treat acne and reduce excess oil.
• Reduces excessive hair growth caused by hormonal imbalance.
• Provides contraception – preventing pregnancy while treating skin conditions.
• Boosts confidence – reducing acne can help improve self-esteem and comfort in daily life.

Clairette is an effective dual-purpose medication, making it a convenient choice for women seeking both hormonal acne treatment and reliable contraception.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Clairette patient information leaflet.

How do I use Clairette?

Clairette is a prescription-only medication, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and read the patient information leaflet included in the pack.

How to Take Clairette

• Take one tablet daily – swallow it whole with water.
• Start on the first day of your period – this ensures immediate pregnancy protection.
• If switching from another contraceptive pill – start Clairette the day after finishing your previous pack to maintain protection.
• Follow the pack instructions – each tablet is labelled with the day of the week and arrows to guide you.

What Happens After 21 Days?

• Take a 7-day break – no pills during this time, but you remain protected from pregnancy if you've taken the pills correctly.
• Expect withdrawal bleeding – similar to a period, this may start during the break.
• Start the next pack on time – even if your bleeding hasn’t stopped, begin the new pack exactly 7 days after finishing the last one (e.g. if your last pill was on a Friday, start the new pack the next Saturday).

Following these steps ensures effective contraception while helping manage acne, oily skin, and excessive hair growth.

What is the recommended dosage?

Clairette contains cyproterone acetate (2000 mg) and ethinylestradiol (35 micrograms) in each tablet.

How to Take Clairette:

• Take one tablet daily, at the same time each day.
• Continue for 21 days, then take a 7-day break with no pills.
• After the break, start the next pack on time, even if your bleeding hasn’t stopped.

Missed a Pill?

• Less than 12 hours late? Take it as soon as you remember and continue as normal.
• More than 12 hours late? Take the missed pill, but use extra contraception (e.g., condoms) for the next 7 days, as protection may be reduced.

What Happens if You Take Too Much?

• An overdose is unlikely to cause serious harm but may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexpected vaginal bleeding.
• If you’re concerned, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Taking Clairette correctly helps protect against pregnancy and treat acne, oily skin, and excessive hair growth effectively.

What are the side effects of Clairette?

Clairette is a hormone-based medication, which means it may increase the risk of cervical cancer, breast cancer, and blood clots. It’s important to attend regular health check-ups and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor.

Common Side Effects of Clairette:

• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Stomach pain
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Mood swings or feeling low
• Tender or painful breasts
• Fluid retention (swelling in hands or feet)
• Reduced interest in sex
• Itchy skin rash

When to Seek Medical Help

If any of these side effects persist or get worse, speak to your doctor. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Breathlessness
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Pain during sex

Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual while taking Clairette.

What warnings does it come with?

Before taking Clairette, it’s essential to consult a doctor or pharmacist. Certain health conditions and medications may make it unsafe for you to take this contraceptive.

Who Should NOT Take Clairette?

You should not take Clairette if:

• You are already using another hormonal contraceptive
• You are pregnant or might be pregnant
• You are breastfeeding
• You have or have had breast cancer
• You have or have had a blood clot
• You have heart disease, stroke, or high risk of a heart attack
• You have blood clotting disorders (e.g., protein C deficiency)
• You suffer from migraines with visual disturbances
• You have severe liver disease or liver tumours
• You are allergic to any ingredients in Clairette

Speak to Your Doctor If Any of the Following Apply:

• Family history of heart disease, blood clots, or high blood pressure
• You suffer from migraines
• You have had depression
• You are overweight (obese)
• You have diabetes
• You have inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• You have a condition called porphyria
• You have brown patches on your face or body (chloasma)
• You have a condition that worsened during pregnancy or previous use of the Pill

Clairette May Interact with Certain Medications

Some medicines may make Clairette less effective or increase the risk of side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:

• Medicines for epilepsy
• HIV medications
• Antifungal treatments (such as griseofulvin)
• Certain antibiotics (oral tetracyclines)
• Sedatives (barbiturates)
• St. John’s Wort (herbal remedy for depression)

If you are on any of these medications, your doctor may recommend an alternative contraceptive or adjust your treatment plan. Always inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking before starting Clairette.

• Cyproterone Acetate with Ethinylestradiol (Co-Cyprindiol) - GOV.UK
• Co-Cyprindiol - BNF

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• Can You Have Unprotected Sex on the Pill? - Learn whether you can have unprotected sex while taking the contraceptive pill and still be protected from pregnancy.
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