Cypromix

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

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 Cypromix

Property Description
Active ingredients Cyproterone acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol
Form Oral tablet
Pharmacological class Antiandrogen and estrogen combination (G03HB)
Common use Addressing symptoms linked to excess male hormones
Origin Synthetic steroid hormones

Cypromix is a prescription-only, combined hormonal medication scientifically classified as an antiandrogen and estrogen combination (ATC code G03HB01). It is consistently formulated as an oral tablet and functions by modulating the body's natural hormonal balance using two primary synthetic components. This formulation is often recognized internationally under the generic name Co-cyprindiol, and popular brands containing this identical combination are widely available.

What Type of Medicine is Cypromix?

Cypromix is fundamentally a combination product containing synthetic steroid hormones, distinguishing it from single-ingredient or naturally derived preparations. The two active ingredients in Cypromix are Cyproterone acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol. Cyproterone acetate serves as both a progestogen and the principal antiandrogen, while Ethinyl Estradiol is included to support hormonal stability. Its targeted action is clinically recognized for managing conditions where excess androgen effects require specific pharmaceutical counteraction.

Core Action and General Purpose

The fundamental action of Cypromix is focused on comprehensive hormonal modulation, centered on suppressing androgenic activity. This is achieved through the direct blockage of androgen receptors by cyproterone, and the simultaneous increase of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) stimulated by ethinyl estradiol, which neutralizes free-circulating androgens. The general purpose of this specific intervention is to establish a more controlled hormonal state, beneficial for relieving symptoms that are fundamentally driven by an overabundance of, or heightened sensitivity to, male hormones (androgens) in the body.

Regulatory References

  1. Cyproterone Acetate Drug Information

What side effects are possible with Cypromix?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Cypromix is defined by officially documented adverse reactions and strict use constraints established by regulatory authorities.

Serious Safety Concerns

The most clinically significant adverse events are associated with the rare but serious risk of thromboembolism (blood clots). These events are classified as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and Arterial Thromboembolism (ATE), which includes stroke and myocardial infarction. The highest excess risk for VTE is officially documented as occurring during the first year of treatment or when restarting the medicine after a break.

Other serious risks include the development of benign or malignant liver tumours and, rarely, meningioma, a tumour linked to prolonged exposure to the cyproterone component.


General Adverse Reactions by System-Organ Class

Commonly reported non-serious adverse reactions, grouped by the physiological system affected, include:

  • Nervous/Psychiatric Disorders: Headaches, dizziness, depressed mood, and general mood changes.
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping or pain.
  • Reproductive/Breast Disorders: Breast tenderness, pain, or enlargement, and changes in the menstrual pattern, such as breakthrough bleeding.

Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Specific limitations exist regarding the use of Cypromix. It is contraindicated in the presence of severe hepatic disease until liver function has normalized and in individuals with a history of meningioma. Furthermore, this medicine must not be used concurrently with any other hormonal contraceptive due to the significantly increased risk of thromboembolism. The risk of serious cardiovascular events is also noted to be increased in women over 35 who smoke.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The officially documented overdose profile for Cypromix, an antiandrogen and estrogen combination, indicates that acute exposure to excessive doses is generally not associated with life-threatening outcomes. Regulator-mandated guidance focuses on symptom management and observation.

Overdose Scope Official Regulatory Information
Documented Presentations Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and headache. Females may also experience withdrawal bleeding, which typically occurs several days after the event.
Severity Classification Acute overdosage is classified in official documents as being unlikely to be life-threatening. No reports of serious adverse effects are documented, even following accidental ingestion by children.
Emergency-Response Immediate medical help is required whenever overdosage is suspected. Contact the local poison control center or call emergency services right away.

Official Overdose Statements

  • No specific antidote is known for overdosage with this combination medicine.
  • Management should be symptomatic and supportive to address any clinical manifestations.
  • Observation protocols may include monitoring of vital signs and performing blood or urine tests.

Connection to the overall overdose profile: Regulatory documents define this overdose scenario by its typical presentation of mild, self-limiting symptoms, not severe toxicity. The mandated response is to seek immediate medical attention to ensure patient safety and administer the prescribed symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Therapeutic Uses of Cypromix

Cypromix is applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns in women of reproductive age. These medicines are relevant in the management of moderate to severe acne or hirsutism. The core goal is to provide supportive relief for symptoms that are persistent, visible, and distressing, often in clinical settings where additional management of discomfort is required.

It is relevant for managing symptom clusters related to heightened physiological activity, including moderate to severe acne vulgaris, excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), and seborrhoea (oily skin). This medication is commonly used across conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).


Managing Severe Acne, Oily Skin, and Seborrhoea

The medicine is relevant for addressing persistent, noticeable skin manifestations, particularly acne and seborrhoea, in conditions where symptoms may intensify temporarily. It is used to help manage symptoms related to inflammatory or irritative states, which contributes to improved day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods and helps ease the overall symptom load.


Quick Fact: Relief for Symptoms Linked to Systemic Stress

  • Primary Benefit: Provides support that helps ease the overall burden of persistent acne, seborrhoea, and unwanted hair growth.
  • Context of Use: Applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Cypromix (Co-cyprindiol) has strict regulatory criteria defining patient eligibility, primarily due to an elevated risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism.

Official Eligibility Constraints

Classification Who Must Not Use Cypromix (Contraindications)
Thrombotic Risk Current or history of blood clots (DVT, PE, stroke, MI), known thrombogenic mutations, or multiple severe risk factors for thrombosis.
Age/Physiology Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have reached menopause (use is only indicated after menarche).
Comorbidities Severe hepatic disease (active liver disease, liver tumours) or known/suspected estrogen-dependent cancers (e.g., breast cancer).
Drug Use Concomitant use with any other hormonal contraceptive (pill, patch, ring) is strictly prohibited.

Permitted and Restricted Use

The medicine is designated for women of reproductive age with severe androgen-related skin conditions (moderate to severe acne or hirsutism) only after the failure of other systemic treatments. Regulatory bodies mandate that it must not be used solely for contraception.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory profile for Cypromix (Cyproterone acetate/Ethinyl Estradiol) establishes specific interaction-related constraints for co-administration. Certain Hepatitis C combination regimens (e.g., those containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir) are formally contraindicated due to the documented risk of severe elevations in liver enzyme levels. The combination of the medicine with cigarette smoking is also a specific contraindication for women over 35 years of age because of the significantly increased risk of serious cardiovascular events.

The medicine's effectiveness may be compromised by hepatic enzyme inducers such as the anti-infective Rifampicin, certain anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, Carbamazepine), and the herbal product St. John's Wort. These substances accelerate the metabolism of Cypromix's components, resulting in reduced systemic exposure and a decreased therapeutic outcome.

Conversely, the medicine can modify the action of other agents. It is documented to increase the serum concentration of systemic corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisolone) and may decrease the therapeutic effect of hypoglycemic agents (e.g., Insulin or Glibenclamide) due to effects on carbohydrate metabolism. Procedural constraints require the medicine to be stopped at least four weeks before major surgery to address associated risk.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Cypromix (Cyproterone acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol) is a comprehensive strategy focused entirely on modulating androgen signaling through three interconnected biological actions. This mechanism directly influences hormonal supply, systemic availability, and cellular activity.

Central Suppression and Supply Modulation

This domain covers the drug's action on the central endocrine system and the modulation of hormone precursor secretion. The combined components activate central receptors, exerting antigonadotropic negative feedback on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. This physiological suppression dampens the signaling that drives the creation and secretion of endogenous androgens, contributing to a decrease in the overall supply of hormones available to the body.

Systemic Neutralization via SHBG Upregulation

This mechanism addresses hormone availability in the circulation. Ethinyl Estradiol stimulates Estrogen Receptors in the liver to vastly upregulate the production of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin ( SHBG). This SHBG binds tightly to free circulating androgens, resulting in their systemic neutralization and rendering them biologically inert. This action ensures that the overall pool of free, biologically available hormone for target cells is reduced.

Peripheral Receptor Blockade

This final domain provides local influence at the target tissue level. Cyproterone acetate acts as a competitive antagonist at the Androgen Receptor ( AR) located in peripheral cells. By occupying the AR binding site, it physically prevents active androgens from binding and initiating the cellular processes that drive hormone-mediated physiological responses. This action influences the activity of androgen-sensitive systems, such as the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

Cypromix (Cyproterone acetate 2 mg / Ethinyl Estradiol 35 mcg) is designed for oral use, with official instructions defining a precise cyclic pattern that must be followed strictly. The fixed dose is one coated tablet daily, which cannot be adjusted or titrated.

Dosing and Scheduling

Feature Official Instruction
Route of Administration Oral (tablet taken by mouth)
Standard Dosing Schedule One tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day tablet-free interval (21/7 regimen).
Timing Constraint The tablet must be taken at the same time every day and in the sequential order marked on the package.
Food Context Intake is permitted with or without food

Procedural and Duration Rules

Treatment use is specified exclusively for women of reproductive age and is not for use in men. Consistent, daily intake is essential to maintain the structural integrity of the regimen.

Duration of Use: Time to symptom response is typically at least three months. Treatment should be discontinued 3 to 4 cycles after the targeted condition has completely resolved.

Special Constraint: The official labeling prohibits the use of this medicine in combination with any other hormonal contraceptive to prevent excessive hormone exposure.

Missed Dose Rule: If a single dose is delayed by more than 12 hours from the usual time, non-hormonal barrier methods must be used for the following seven days to maintain procedural integrity.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Cypromix

Evidence for Use in Moderate to Severe Acne

Research was studied for this medicine primarily in short-term randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These studies focused mainly on women of reproductive age whose condition was characterized by symptoms linked to inflammatory or irritative states on the skin. In these research contexts, experts monitored changes using objective clinical scoring systems to measure overall acne severity and specific lesion counts.

The studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, where findings describe patterns measured in the severity scores and lesion counts during the study period. Research also explored outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as symptoms of oily skin (seborrhoea), where studies reported measurements of changes in oiliness.

However, evidence is limited regarding the extended use of the medicine. Follow-up durations were limited in many of the core trials, meaning long-term effects are not fully established concerning how these patterns might evolve after the initial treatment phase. Research also indicates that the variability in measurement tools used across different studies can sometimes make consistent comparisons challenging.

Evidence for Use in Hirsutism (Unwanted Hair Growth)

The medicine was evaluated in comparative trials and systematic reviews for managing hirsutism, which is a condition where symptoms may vary in intensity and involve unwanted hair growth. The research primarily explored the experiences of women with this condition. Studies examined changes in hair patterns using standardized scoring systems and monitored blood measurements of male hormones (androgens), which are outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance.

The studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, noting measured changes in the hair growth scores. This measured change was observed alongside reported shifts in circulating androgen levels. Research describes that several months of observation were necessary for these measured changes to become apparent due to the natural hair growth cycle.

There is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the long-term evolution of these changes when observation periods extend beyond two years. Additionally, because the main hair scoring system used in some older trials includes subjective components, evidence quality varies across studies concerning the consistency of the findings.

Evidence in Hyperandrogenic Conditions, including PCOS

Research was studied for the medicine’s use in managing hyperandrogenic symptoms often associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition marked by functional limitations and shifts in hormonal balance. Studies primarily examined clinical outcomes, such as acne and hirsutism, alongside outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, particularly levels of sex hormones and binding proteins.

The research describes patterns observed in the studies where an increase in a key binding protein (SHBG) was observed alongside reported shifts in circulating androgen levels. Studies also report how associated symptoms evolved in the observed populations, with findings describing measured changes in acne and hirsutism scores. However, research exploring the influence on secondary metabolic markers (such as insulin sensitivity) was limited, and findings were mixed across different trial designs.

Long-term effects are not fully established regarding the influence on key metabolic health indicators, like insulin regulation or changes in body weight. Furthermore, data are still emerging regarding the hormonal stability or potential return of symptoms following the discontinuation of the medicine.

Key Studies & References Cyproterone Acetate Drug Information (NIH/MedlinePlus)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cypromix (FAQ)

Q: Is Cypromix available as a generic medicine?

The medicine, which is a combination product of two synthetic hormones, is internationally recognized and often referred to by its established generic name, Co-cyprindiol. Many brands containing this identical combination are marketed internationally.

Q: What does the eligibility section mean by 'contraindications'?

In official drug documentation, a contraindication is a specific condition, state, or factor that serves as a documented reason to withhold a certain medical treatment. The presence of a contraindication indicates that the documented risk of harm outweighs the potential benefit for that individual.

Q: Is Cypromix known to be habit-forming?

Official regulatory classifications and product documents do not identify this medicine as having known potential for habit-forming use or drug dependence.

Q: Do I need any special monitoring while I am using Cypromix?

Official warnings state that treatment requires periodic evaluation by the prescribing physician. This periodic evaluation is required to assess the ongoing need for continued treatment and to monitor for certain potential risks identified in the safety profile.

Q: What is the half-life or duration of effect for Cypromix?

Regulatory documents contain the specific pharmacokinetic data for this medicine. This information includes details on the absorption, metabolism, and elimination (half-life) of both the Cyproterone acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol components.

Q: What is the difference between an 'adverse event' and a 'side effect' in the context of Cypromix?

In official regulatory documents, an adverse event is broadly defined as any undesirable experience associated with a product's use, regardless of whether the medicine caused it. A side effect (or adverse reaction) is a subset of this, specifically defined as an undesirable effect that is judged to be caused by the drug.

Q: Is it possible to be allergic to Cypromix?

The official safety profile lists hypersensitivity as a rare adverse reaction. Hypersensitivity is the term used in official documents to describe an excessive, undesirable (allergic) reaction produced by the immune system.

Q: Can Cypromix cause weight changes?

Regulatory documents list changes in weight as possible adverse reactions. Weight increased is described as a common reaction in the safety profile. Weight decreased is also noted, but is listed as a less common adverse reaction.

Q: Is it common to feel tired when first taking Cypromix?

Official documentation lists common nervous system and psychiatric effects such as headache, dizziness, and depressed mood. Fatigue or tiredness itself is not explicitly listed as a common adverse reaction in the official product information.

Q: Does Cypromix affect mental clarity or ability to drive?

The official safety profile lists dizziness and headache as commonly reported adverse reactions. However, regulatory documents do not include an explicit warning or statement regarding effects on the general ability to drive or operate machinery.

Q: Does Cypromix have a known effect on sleep patterns?

The official safety profile notes common psychiatric effects like depressed mood and a general mood altered state. Specific effects on sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive drowsiness, are not explicitly noted as common adverse reactions in the regulatory documentation.

Q: Are there specific food or drink items to avoid while taking Cypromix?

Official warnings include avoiding the use of the herbal product St. John’s Wort, as it may lead to reduced effectiveness of the medicine. Regulatory constraints also list cigarette smoking as a specific contraindication for women over 35, due to the increased risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Q: Do I need to change my diet while using Cypromix?

Official product information states the tablet intake is permitted with or without food. Regulatory documents address the potential for interactions with specific herbal products, such as St. John’s Wort. However, official sources do not mandate a general change to your overall diet when taking this medicine.

Q: Can Cypromix be used by people who have diabetes?

Official product information notes that Cypromix may influence carbohydrate metabolism. This may result in a decrease in the therapeutic effect of certain blood sugar-lowering medicines (hypoglycemic agents), such as Insulin or Glibenclamide.

Q: Is Cypromix safe for older adults to use?

Official eligibility rules specify that this medicine is indicated for use only in women of reproductive age (after menarche). It is officially contraindicated in women who have reached menopause.

Q: Does the research evidence for Cypromix include studies on children?

The official use of this medicine is indicated only for women who have started menstruating (after menarche). Therefore, the documented research and use outlined in regulatory documents are targeted exclusively for the adult female population of reproductive age.

How should Cypromix be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cypromix

The storage and disposal of Cypromix (Co-cyprindiol) must strictly follow the official instructions provided by regulatory authorities to maintain product stability and ensure safety.


Official Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Do not store above 30°C.
Protection Keep in the original package to protect from light and moisture.
Safety Must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Official Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused Cypromix tablets should not be thrown into household trash or disposed of via wastewater (e.g., flushing). The required method is to return the medicine to a pharmacist or authorized waste collection point for safe, environmentally controlled disposal.

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

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