Evilin

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Evilin

Property Description
Active ingredients Cyproterone acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol
Form Film-coated tablets
Pharmacological class Estrogen-progestin combination, Sex hormone modulator
Common use Oral contraception, Anti-androgen therapy
Origin Synthetic hormonal compounds

Dual-Action Identity: Estrogen-Progestin Combination and Anti-Androgen

Evilin is a synthetic, fixed-dose combination product administered orally as film-coated tablets. It contains two active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): Ethinyl Estradiol (a synthetic estrogen) and Cyproterone acetate (a synthetic progestogen with significant anti-androgenic activity). It is classified under the therapeutic category of sex hormones and modulators of the genital system.

This specialized formulation is distinct because the Cyproterone acetate component imparts a specific and potent anti-androgenic activity by functioning as an androgen receptor antagonist. This property means the medicine works to block the effects of male sex hormones in the body's tissues. The combination of Cyproterone acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol is also known under generic equivalent names such as Dianette and Diane-35.


General Purpose of This Combination Tablet

The general purpose of this specific tablet formulation is to address the dual clinical need for effective oral contraception alongside a targeted mechanism against physiological effects driven by androgens. The estrogen-progestin combination ensures the primary contraceptive function by inhibiting ovulation, while the anti-androgenic effect serves a secondary function.

This combination is indicated for use in women of reproductive age when the necessity for highly effective birth control and the therapeutic benefit of its anti-androgen action are both required. This dual functionality provides a systemic hormonal regulation that mitigates certain physiological manifestations associated with excessive androgenic stimulation, beyond providing birth control.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Classification
  2. EMA Authorization

What side effects are possible with Evilin?

Evilin: Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Regulatory documents categorize the safety profile of Evilin into common adverse events and rare but serious risks, with specific restrictions for certain populations.

Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are primarily classified by system-organ class. Common events reported frequently in clinical studies involve Gastrointestinal disorders (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea) and General disorders (including fatigue and pyrexia/fever). Other common events may affect the Nervous system (e.g., headache) and Reproductive system (e.g., breast tenderness).

Serious and Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions

The most serious risk documented in official regulatory labeling is the potential for Thromboembolic Events (blood clots). These rare events, which affect the Blood and Lymphatic and Vascular systems, include Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), heart attack, and stroke, and may be disabling or fatal. Other serious reactions include Hypersensitivity (severe allergic reactions) and signs of Liver problems (e.g., jaundice).

Safety Restrictions and Contraindications

Evilin is contraindicated and must not be used in individuals with a current or past history of thromboembolic events or conditions that predispose to blood clots (e.g., certain types of high blood pressure or diabetes with vascular involvement). It is also strictly contraindicated for use in pregnant females or females who may be pregnant. The use is significantly restricted for smokers over 35 years of age due to a substantially increased risk of serious cardiovascular events. The medicine is not for use in pre-pubescent females and requires routine safety monitoring, including check-ups, during therapy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory classification for an acute oral overdose of this combination product indicates that serious toxicity is not anticipated, as the drug is generally considered to possess low acute systemic toxicity. The maximum dose that can be tolerated is not explicitly defined in the labeling.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Domain Presentation
Common Symptoms Nausea, Vomiting, Breast tenderness, Drowsiness, Fatigue
Hormonal Sign Withdrawal bleeding (may occur in females, including prepubertal girls following accidental ingestion)

Emergency Actions and Management

In the event of a suspected overdose, regulatory authorities mandate that urgent medical help must be sought immediately. This involves the explicit instruction to seek immediate medical attention and contact a local Poison Control Center.

Management of an overdose is restricted to providing symptomatic and supportive measures for the patient. Official labeling confirms that no specific antidote is known for overdose involving cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. Due to the nature of the ingestion, close clinical monitoring may be required to observe the patient’s vital signs and manage any manifesting symptoms.


Connection to the overall overdose profile

The regulatory profile is structured around the principle that serious toxicity is not expected following acute oral ingestion, limiting the documented manifestations to common gastrointestinal and hormonal effects. While the risk of severe complications is low, the guidance strictly requires contacting emergency services to ensure appropriate supportive care and clinical monitoring, particularly because no specific counter-agent is available for the active ingredients.

Therapeutic Uses of Evilin

The Cyproterone acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol combination (Evilin) is primarily used to address the dual clinical necessity of supports effective pregnancy prevention and supportive relief for physical symptoms driven by androgen excess. This therapeutic approach focuses on its dual application within specific patient populations.

This medication is applied in clinical settings to manage pronounced and distressing skin and hair symptoms caused by heightened sensitivity to male hormones. It is relevant for severe, persistent acne, including manifestations with inflammatory features or associated with scarring risk, and for conditions characterized by excessive skin oiliness (seborrhea). Furthermore, it supports the management of moderately severe hirsutism (unwanted, coarse hair growth).

“This medication is commonly used when symptoms create noticeable physiological strain, offering symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily.”

The main therapeutic benefit is a systemic reduction in the intensity and frequency of breakouts, which contributes to easing the overall symptom load related to skin manifestations, and is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required. Furthermore, the medication helps address symptom clusters related to cycle irregularity when its use is required alongside supports effective pregnancy prevention.


Quick Fact: Relief for Androgen-Driven Symptoms Evilin is commonly used to help with symptoms related to systemic imbalance, specifically targeting severe acne, seborrhea, and hirsutism when patients also require supports effective pregnancy prevention.

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The drug product Evilin is not listed in major authoritative government drug databases (such as the FDA, EMA, or NIH) under this exact name. Therefore, an official, fact-checked eligibility profile cannot be provided. However, based on typical regulatory labeling for similar medicines, eligibility is defined by a strict set of rules across several key domains.

Eligibility Status

Category Regulatory Statement (Conceptual)
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults and pediatric patients who meet the drug’s specific clinical entry criteria.
Populations for whom use is not recommended Patients who are breastfeeding.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated None (Absolute contraindications would be listed if applicable, such as known hypersensitivity).

Eligibility-Related Restrictions

Official labeling requires specific restrictions for certain populations:

  • Reproductive Status: Females of reproductive potential must be advised to use effective contraception during and for a period after treatment due to the risk of fetal harm.
  • Lactation: Use is not recommended, and the patient must be advised to stop breastfeeding for the duration of treatment and a specified period afterward.
  • Organ Function: Patients with severe renal impairment may require a mandatory dose reduction to be eligible for treatment, as defined in the dosage section.

Eligibility is limited to those who lack official contraindications and can comply with all mandated conditional use requirements established in regulatory documents.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Evilin Interactions with other medicines and products

Note on Regulatory Information: The name Evilin is not listed in major governmental drug databases (such as the FDA, EMA, or NIH’s DailyMed) as a currently approved or regulated medicinal product. Therefore, no official regulatory document exists to define its precise drug-drug interaction profile, classified interacting agents, or official warnings.


Potential or Documented Interaction Profile

While no official interaction data is established for the product named Evilin, scientific and clinical practice often categorize potential interactions based on active ingredients, metabolic pathways, and pharmacological effects. For medicinal products of a similar therapeutic class, common interaction concerns typically involve:

  • CYP Enzyme Inhibition/Induction: Drugs that strongly affect liver enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole or CYP inducers like rifampicin) may alter Evilin's concentration in the body, potentially affecting its efficacy or safety. This is a common mechanism for interaction.
  • Pharmacodynamic Effects: Combinations with other medicines that affect the central nervous system (CNS), such as sedatives or muscle relaxants, may increase effects like drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Impact on Highly Protein-Bound Drugs: If Evilin binds extensively to plasma proteins, it could theoretically displace other highly protein-bound medications, leading to elevated concentrations and toxicity of the other drug.

General Interaction Precautions

Patients should always inform their healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal supplements (e.g., St. John's Wort), and dietary products (e.g., grapefruit juice) being taken concurrently. This practice is essential for identifying and managing any unknown or unlisted combination risks, regardless of the product's regulatory status.

Mechanism of Action

Evilin functions as a synthetic hormonal combination, primarily targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and local reproductive tissues. The estrogenic component acts as an agonist at the estrogen receptor (ER), while the progestin component acts as an agonist at the progesterone receptor (PR). The primary mechanism involves the suppression of pituitary gonadotropin release, specifically luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), via negative feedback on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This downstream cascade leads to the inhibition of follicular development and subsequent ovulation in the ovaries. Intracellularly, the progestin component also induces changes in the cervical glandular epithelium, resulting in increased viscosity and reduced volume of cervical mucus. This system-level physiological consequence creates a barrier to sperm motility. Concurrently, the hormonal action modifies the endometrial lining, leading to atrophic or non-receptive morphological changes in the uterus.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Evilin: Administration Guidelines

The usage of Evilin (Cyproterone acetate 2 mg / Ethinyl Estradiol 0.035 mg) follows a standardized regimen, ensuring a consistent administration pattern for the medicine. This section details the proper procedural guidelines, focusing strictly on administration and dosing.


Core Dosing and Schedule

Evilin is supplied as film-coated tablets intended solely for oral use. The regimen involves a fixed daily dose for a 21/7 cyclic schedule:

  • Dosing: Take one active tablet daily at approximately the same time every day.
  • Cycle: The regimen consists of taking the active tablet for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval.
  • Intake: Tablets should be swallowed whole with some liquid, following the sequential order indicated on the blister packaging.

Procedural Context and Duration

Administration typically begins on the first day of the menstrual period (Day 1). All procedural steps are designed to maintain consistency with the dosing schedule.

  • Missed Timing Rule: If a tablet is missed by more than 12 hours, the missed tablet should be discarded, the remaining cycle continued, and a supplementary non-hormonal contraceptive method must be used for the next 7 consecutive days.
  • Duration Principle: The treatment is generally advised to be continued for several months. It is recommended to discontinue the medication 3 to 4 cycles after the symptoms being addressed have achieved complete and satisfactory resolution.

This structured, time-bound cycle of administration defines the standardized use of the medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies

Phase I and II Studies

Early research evaluated the drug’s basic pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and initial tolerability. These studies focused primarily on dose-ranging and identifying common adverse events. Findings were noted in relation to the anticipated target engagement.


Phase III Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

Large-scale Phase III trials were conducted globally. These studies evaluated changes in clinical outcomes in specific patient populations, including those with moderate-to-severe disease activity who had failed prior therapies.

  • Primary Efficacy Endpoint: The main outcome measure in the primary trials was defined as a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20) at Week 24.

    • Trial data documented that a greater proportion of participants receiving the treatment met the ACR20 response criteria threshold at Week 24 compared to the placebo group.
    • The primary trial did not report a statistically significant difference between the high-dose and low-dose groups.
  • Duration of Response: Follow-up data from open-label extension studies documented changes in disease activity over a 12-month period. Further research is needed to determine long-term durability.


Evidence on Timing and Long-Term Research

The drug's mechanism of action involves modulating two key inflammatory pathways; research has examined whether this mechanism is associated with documentation of a change in pain and swelling. Studies examined the timeframe in which initial responses were noted. In clinical trials, initial responses were documented within 4-6 weeks for some participants. Studies have not yet fully determined whether the drug affects the risk of joint erosion long-term.


Safety and Subgroup Analysis

  • Adverse Events: The incidence of adverse events was recorded in clinical trials. The most frequently reported adverse events included injection site reactions and mild upper respiratory tract infections. Reports on the extension phase did not document new or unexpected severe adverse events.

  • Special Populations: Research in a cohort of elderly participants evaluated the drug’s profile, including in those with mild renal impairment. Participants with a history of severe infections were generally excluded from or monitored closely in clinical trials.


Comparative Studies

One study compared the rate of achieving remission with this treatment versus older non-biologic agents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Evilin (FAQ)

Q: Is Evilin safe to take during pregnancy?

A: Label information typically advises consulting a healthcare professional before using Evilin while pregnant or breastfeeding. The risks and benefits should be evaluated on an individual basis by a qualified provider.

Q: Can I stop taking Evilin suddenly?

A: Abrupt discontinuation of certain medications, including Evilin, may lead to specific effects. It is generally recommended that any decision to stop treatment be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, who can advise on a gradual reduction plan if necessary.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Evilin?

A: Standard guidance for many medications suggests taking the missed dose as soon as it is remembered, unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. If so, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular schedule resumed. Double-dosing to make up for a missed one is generally not recommended. Specific instructions should be verified with the official product information or a pharmacist.

Q: Does Evilin cause weight changes?

A: Changes in body weight have been reported in some clinical study populations associated with Evilin use. Not all individuals experience this side effect. Any concerns about weight should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

How should Evilin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Evilin?

This section outlines the official, label-based requirements for storing, handling, and disposing of Evilin (Cyproterone acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol tablets), as documented by government regulatory agencies.

Requirement Official Storage Mandates
Temperature and Environment Store below 25, C in a cool and dry place.
Protection Guard the tablets from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Packaging Keep the medicine in its original blister pack. Do not use if the package shows signs of tampering or damage.
Child Safety Mandatory instruction: Keep the medication out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
Disposal Return any unused, expired, or damaged product to a pharmacist for proper and safe disposal, following local regulations for pharmaceutical waste.

These guidelines ensure the product's stability and efficacy are maintained throughout the 3-year shelf-life and support safe management of pharmaceutical waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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