Brenda-35 ED (Cyproterone Acetate And Ethinylestradiol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Brenda-35 ED Used For?
Brenda-35 ED contains cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol, working similarly to combined oral contraceptive pills. It treats signs of physical male characteristics caused by androgen hormones in women.
Primary Uses
Treats severe acne when other treatments haven’t worked, excessive facial or body hair growth (hirsutism) of mild to moderate degree where no underlying cause is found, and can be used as contraception for women taking it to treat these androgenisation signs.
Additional Benefits
May provide more regular and lighter periods, decreased period pain, reduction in skin and hair greasiness, and potentially lower risk of certain conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and certain cancers.
Good to know: You may notice improvement in your condition after about 6 months of treatment, with benefits like more regular periods and reduced skin greasiness.
How to Take Brenda-35 ED
Take one tablet daily at about the same time every day, regardless of how often you have sex. Start with the first tablet from the red area on the blister pack corresponding to your day of the week.
Dosage Instructions
Take one tablet once daily with a full glass of water, with or without food. Follow the arrows on the blister pack until all 28 tablets are taken. Always start a new pack on the same day of the week. A period should begin 2-3 days after starting the white inactive tablets.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose within 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember and you’ll still be protected. If more than 12 hours late: take the missed tablet immediately, continue normally (even if taking 2 tablets same day). If you’ve taken active tablets for less than 7 days, use additional barrier contraception for 7 days. If you forget white inactive tablets, discard them and continue with next tablet.
Important: Never stop taking or change dosage without checking with your doctor. You may become pregnant if you stop taking Brenda-35 ED without using other contraception.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- More regular and lighter periods
- Decreased period pain
- Reduction in skin and hair greasiness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of blood clots
- Breast cancer (diagnosed more often in pill users)
- Cervical cancer (diagnosed more often in pill users)
- Increased risk of meningioma with high doses (25mg and above) of cyproterone acetate
Important Warnings
Brenda-35 ED increases the risk of blood clots, though this risk is lower than during pregnancy. Certain medical conditions make this medication unsuitable.
Who Should Not Take Brenda-35 ED
Don’t use if allergic to ingredients, taking certain antiviral medicines for hepatitis C, have history of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, certain cancers, severe liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, meningioma, or are using another hormonal contraceptive. Not for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in men.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, migraines, cancer history, liver disease, blood clotting disorders, are overweight, smoke, or have family history of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or breast cancer.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding. Use additional barrier contraception when stopping if you don’t wish to become pregnant. If planning pregnancy, start taking folic acid supplements before stopping Brenda-35 ED.
Blood Clot Risk: Stop taking immediately and see doctor if you notice signs of blood clots. Risk increases with age and smoking – stop smoking when taking this medication, especially if over 35.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Brenda-35 ED’s effectiveness or increase side effect risks. Always inform healthcare providers you’re taking this medication.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit juice may interact with Brenda-35 ED – discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Tuberculosis medicines (Rifampicin, Rifabutin)
- Epilepsy medicines (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine)
- HIV medicines (Ritonavir, Nevirapine)
- Hepatitis C medicines (Boceprevir, Telaprevir)
- Antibiotics (Clarithromycin, Erythromycin)
- Antifungals (Ketoconazole, Griseofulvin)
- Blood pressure medicines (Diltiazem, Verapamil)
- St John’s Wort herbal medicines
Alcohol & Driving
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol consumption or driving restrictions while taking Brenda-35 ED.
Storage
Keep tablets in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Store where young children cannot reach them. Do not use after expiry date or if packaging is torn or tampered with.
Overdose Information
The source material mentions overdose but the content appears to be cut off. Contact your doctor, pharmacist, or emergency services immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may need to take Brenda-35 ED for about 6 months before noticing improvement in your condition. Your doctor may advise stopping 3-4 months after symptoms completely resolve.
Yes, you can take Brenda-35 ED with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
You can stop taking Brenda-35 ED at any time, but your original condition may return. Use additional barrier contraception if you don’t wish to become pregnant, and don’t restart without seeing your doctor first.
If within 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours late, take the missed tablet immediately and continue normally. You may need additional barrier contraception for 7 days depending on when in your cycle you missed the dose.
No, Brenda-35 ED should not be used in combination with another hormonal contraceptive. It works similarly to combined oral contraceptive pills.
Tell your doctor about any allergies, smoking, family history of blood clots or cancers, and medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, or liver disease.
Have regular check-ups to determine treatment length, and see your doctor immediately if you become pregnant, develop high blood pressure, have unexpected bleeding, or notice signs of blood clots.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.