HomeAnswersInternal MedicineacneWhat are the side effects of taking birth control pills for acne?

Is it too risky to take birth control pills for acne?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At August 24, 2017
Reviewed AtDecember 21, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 17 year old female. I am currently taking the birth control pill Dianette for my moderate acne. I am only on day five but, have read many worrying effects about this pill such as blood clots, excessive weight gain, and cancer risk. I was wondering if these health claims are all true and whether it is worth taking the pill for acne or if I should be asking my GP for something else.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your post.

  • You are taking Cyproterone and Ethinylestradiol which is used in severe acne that is not responding to other treatments. The side effects you mentioned occur rarely and in the high-risk group of people with a family history of breast cancer, obesity, people with a past history of clots in the leg.
  • I do not think that a short course of this medicine will cause any side effects in just a few months.

So, relax and you need not worry. Regards.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey
Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Rheumatology

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