Talk to the healthcare provider before taking Cyproterone Acetate + Ethinylestradiol (ALTHEA).
For contraception, control of acne and hirsutism, regulation of the menstrual cycle, reduction of premenstrual tension, and relief from pain and excessive bleeding during menstruation: Take one pill daily, beginning on the first day of menstrual bleeding. The patient can also start any day as long as the patient is not pregnant and is using a back-up method such as a condom for the next seven days as a precaution to avoid pregnancy. Start with the pill marked with the corresponding day of the week. Follow the arrows indicated on the pack.
The interval between two pills should be 24 hours. Incorporate it to the daily routine - after eating meals or before going to sleep, so the patient can easily remember to take it. A pack is good for 21 days.
After taking the last pill, do not take any pill on the next seven days. The seven pill-free days complete the 28-day menstrual cycle.
Start the new pack after seven pill-free days. Normal menstrual cycle period will most likely resume during pill-free days.
The patient may continue taking the pill as long as the patient wants to avoid pregnancy. Do not skip taking the pill even if there is a brief pause from sexual activity.
The patient should only stop taking the pill after finishing a pack; otherwise, bleeding may start.
Vomiting and persistent severe diarrhea can interfere with the absorption of the pill. If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking a pill, another pill should be taken as soon as possible. If persistent vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, follow the instruction on Missed Pills.
If the patient missed one pill, the patient must take it within 12 hours after the 24-hour lapse to sustain its efficacy. Take the remaining pills as scheduled to avoid premature withdrawal bleeding. Follow the instructions on Missed Pills.
For control of acne and/or hirsutism: Continue taking the pill for additional three to four months after the complete resolution of symptoms.
If acne or hirsutism recurs, take the pill until the complete resolution of the symptoms.
Missed Pills: The key to effective contraception is following the recommended dosage consistently.
If the patient missed one pill, the patient must take it within 12 hours after the 24-hour lapse. Take the pill due for the day at the regular time even if it means taking two pills in one day. Keep taking one pill each day at the usual time. The patient will not need a back-up contraceptive method if the patient missed only one pill.
Missing two or more pills consecutively increases the probability of getting pregnant. Take the most recently missed pill as soon as remembered and discard all previously missed pills. Resume taking the next scheduled pill and either abstain from sex or use condoms for the next seven days. Count the pills left in the pack.
If one to six pills are left in the pack, continue taking the remaining pills. Start with a new pack immediately and either abstain from sex or use condoms for the next seven days. Bleeding may not come at the regular time.
If there are seven or more pills left in the pack, continue taking the contents of the pack. Do not take any pills for the next seven days (seven pill-free days). Start a new pack after the seven pill-free days.
If the patient continually forgets to take the pill, ask the healthcare provider for ways to become compliant, or for another method of contraception which will suit the patient better (see figure).
