Co-cyprindiol & Azelaic Acid
A contraceptive pill paired with a topical gel to effectively treat acne. Suitable for patients with sensitive skin.
Treat acne on two fronts
Protect against acne and pregnancy simultaneously
May start to see results after 4-6 weeks
Reassess need for continued use after 3-6 months with your healthcare provider
How do you use Co-cyprindiol and Azelaic acid?
To use azelaic acid:
Clean your skin first with water, then dry it
Apply the gel to the affected area twice a day (once in the morning, once in the evening) and rub gently into the skin
Wash your hands after you have used the gel
To take Co-cyprindiol:
Take one tablet at the same time each day for 21 days
Take a seven day break
Repeat this cycle
It is recommended that you start Co-cyprindiol on the first day of your next period to get contraceptive protection with your first pill.
For more information on use, please read the patient information leaflets for azelaic acid and Co-cyprindiol.
How do Co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid help to treat acne?
As a contraceptive pill, Co-cyprindiol is effective at reducing hormonal acne. It can block the hormones (androgen) that cause acne, reducing oily skin and the chance of pores clogging up.
Azelaic acid works by getting rid of dead skin and reducing the amount of sebum produced by the skin. This kills the bacteria that causes acne as they feed on sebum. It’s used to treat acne with papules (small red bumps) and pustules (white-tipped spots).
Is Co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid effective at treating acne?
In general, you may start to notice an improvement in your acne after using azelaic acid for 4-6 weeks. If you don’t notice an improvement after this time, stop treatment and talk to your healthcare provider.
Co-cyprindiol is used to treat more severe acne and takes longer to provide results. Most women will see their acne improve after 2-6 months.
Do Co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel have side effects?
Like all treatments, you might get side effects by using Co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid.
Common side effects for Co-cyprindiol include:
Nausea
Stomach pains
Weight gain
Headaches
Changes to mood
Sore or painful breasts
There are also serious possible side effects from Co-cyprindiol like blood clots and slight increased risk of breast cancer. Please see the patient information leaflet for further details.
If you start to experience any of the warning signs of these side effects (or depression, as some patients have reported feeling depressed while taking co-cyprindiol) please talk to your healthcare provider.
Common side effects for azelaic acid include:
Burning, pain or itching at the application site
Rash, tingling or numbness at the application site
If you start to feel unwell after applying azelaic acid (such as hives or worsening of asthma), stop treatment and talk to your healthcare provider.
For more information on side effects, please read the patient information leaflets for azelaic acid and Co-cyprindiol.
Acne treatments
More infoLymecycline and Azelaic Acid gel
408mg/15%12 weeks supply - £65.00
More infoLymecycline and Benzoyl Peroxide gel
408mg/5%12 weeks supply - £70.00
More infoLymecycline and Epiduo gel
408mg/0.1%/2.5%12 weeks supply - £70.00
More infoLymecycline and Adapalene gel
100mg/0.1%/2,5%12 weeks supply - £65.00
More infoDoxycycline and Adapalene gel
100mg/0.1%84 capsules & 45g gel - £65.00
More infoDoxycycline and Benzoyl Peroxide gel
100mg/5%84 capsules & 60g gel - £55.00
More infoDoxycycline and Azelaic Acid gel
100mg/15%84 capsules & 60g gel - £55.00
More infoDoxycycline and Epiduo gel
100mg/0.1%/2,5%84 capsules & 60g gel - £75.00
More infoCo-cyprindiol and Epiduo gel
2000/35mcg/3+1%63 tablets & 60g gel - £75.00
More infoCo cyprindiol and Benzoyl Peroxide gel
408mg/0.1%/2.5%63 tablets & 60g gel - £55.00
More infoCo cyprindiol & Duac gel
2000/35mcg/3+1%63 tablets & 60g gel - £80.00
More infoCo-cyrindiol and Adapalene gel
2000/35mcg 0.1%63 tablets & 45g gel - £65.00
More infoCo-cyrindiol and Azelaic acid
2000/35mcg/15%63 tablets & 60g gel - £65.00
More infoBenzoyl Peroxide gel
5%60g gel - £22.00
More infoAzelaic Acid gel
15%60g - £25.00
More infoAdapalene gel
0.10%Single pack - £35.00
More infoDuac (Benzoyl Peroxide + Clindamycin) once daily gel
60g
Double pack - £55.00
More infoEpiDuo (Adapalene + Benzoyl Peroxide) once daily gel
60g12 weeks supply - £39.99
Frequently asked questions
Azelaic acid cannot be used while pregnant.
Co-cyprindiol cannot be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
While there are no studies on how azelaic acid reacts to other medicines, it is recommended that you do not use or apply other treatments to your face while you are using it.
Other medicines can stop Co-cyprindiol from working properly. These can include medicines for epilepsy, HIV and certain antibiotics and sedatives. For more information on these, consult the ‘Other medicines and Co-cyprindiol’ section of the patient information leaflet.
Please let your healthcare provider know if you are taking one of these treatments before starting Co-cyprindiol. They can find a more suitable treatment for you.
If Co-cyprindiol and azelaic acid gel aren’t working for you, other acne treatment options include:
Topical treatments like Differin and Duac
Antibiotic capsules like lymecycline
Lifestyle tweaks like a balanced diet, gentle skincare and avoiding heavy make‑up
Light therapy and chemical peels may be more effective than medication in some cases
Getting stubborn whiteheads, blackheads or cysts removed using special tools could improve how your skin looks short term, but can also scar it