Co‑cyprindiol and Duac gel

Co‑cyprindiol

Take one tablet at the same time each day for 21 days, then pause for 7 days. After this 7-day break you repeat subsequent courses of 21 days on, 7 days off.

Starting co‑cyprindiol on the first day of your period gives you immediate contraceptive protection.

Duac gel

Apply each evening. If your skin gets irritated, reduce this to every other night and build back to daily.

1. Gently wash your face, rinse and pat dry.

2. Wait 15 minutes.

3. Smooth a pea‑sized amount of gel in a thin layer over all affected skin. 

4. Let Duac gel dry fully before using moisturiser or putting on make‑up, and use a non‑oily sunscreen each morning (SPF 30+).

Duac gel may irritate your eyes and the benzoyl peroxide in it can bleach towels, clothing, bedding or even your hair. So always wash your hands after applying it.

Acne in women is often driven by androgens (male hormones) like testosterone, which increase oil production in your skin. Co-cyprindiol contains ethinylestradiol (a type of oestrogen hormone) and cyproterone (an anti-androgen), so it can:

• Block androgens, making your skin less oily (and shiny). This means pores aren’t as likely to get clogged (which can cause new breakouts).

• Targeting the hormonal cause of acne also means co-cyprindiol can help with other conditions related to excess androgens like polycystic ovary syndrome or hirsutism (excessive female hair growth).

Duac gel contains two active ingredients:

• Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that helps stop acne bacteria multiplying on your skin and calms sore, inflamed spots.

• Benzoyl peroxide kills germs and also gently exfoliates dead cells and dries excess oil.

When prescribed together, co‑cyprindiol and Duac gel work to treat the hormonal trigger of acne along with inflammation and visible spots.

Co‑cyprindiol is usually offered when standard creams, gels or antibiotic tablets haven’t worked. Most women who take the pill as directed notice a marked improvement after about 3-6 months of continuous use. Note that it can take 2-3 months before Co-cyprindiol starts to work.

Studies have shown Duac gel can cut inflammatory spots by over a half within 11 weeks if used once a day as directed.

Co‑cyprindiol

As a combined oral contraceptive, the possible side effects of co‑cyprindiol are similar to other contraceptive pills. Though not every woman gets them, common side effects include:

• Headaches

• Mild sickness (nausea)

• Sore breasts tenderness or breast pain

• Mood swings or low mood

• Changes in sex drive (libido)

• Slight weight gain or sometimes weight loss

There are also some rare but more serious risks of side effects from co‑cyprindiol that you should be mindful of.

• All combined pills carry a small increased risk of blood clots.

• Co‑cyprindiol has been associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer if used for many years.

If you have any warning signs like unexplained calf pain, chest pain, or major mood depression while taking co‑cyprindiol, seek medical advice straight away. 

Duac gel

As it combines two active ingredients, when you use Duac gel you could get side effects from clindamycin (an antibiotic) or benzoyl peroxide. Common side effects include dry or peeling skin, redness, mild burning or stinging and Itching or irritation.

The benzoyl peroxide in Duac gel can also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. So, it’s even more important to protect yourself. Apply a non oily, fragrance-free sunscreen daily (SPF 50), try to stay out of the sun when it’s most intense and avoid sun beds. 

Duac gel can also cause some rare but more serious effects like severe redness or swelling, blistering, and diarrhoea that can be severe. If you notice any of these side effects, stop using the gel and let your doctor or clinician know.

Full details on use and safety are in the Co-cyprindiol and Duac gel patient information leaflets.