Eloine

What is Eloine?

Eloine is a combined hormonal contraceptive that also provides benefits for managing acne. It contains two synthetic hormones—ethinylestradiol (an oestrogen) and drospirenone (a progesterone with anti-androgen properties). These hormones help lower sebum production, reduce pore blockages, and minimize acne symptoms. Eloine is suitable for women between 16-50 years old, seeking both effective contraception and improved skin health.

Key Benefits:

• Dual Purpose: Acts as both a reliable contraceptive and an acne treatment for women.
• Improved Skin Health: Reduces acne by controlling sebum levels and minimizing clogged pores.
• Hormonal Regulation: Helps balance hormones linked to acne, providing clearer skin.
• Flexible Use: Can be started as a new contraceptive or switched from another birth control method.

Advantages of Eloine:

• Periods may become lighter, less painful, and more regular.
• Potential reduction in PMS symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and headaches.
• May decrease the risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian, uterine, and colorectal cancer.

Risks & Considerations:

• Slight increase in the risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and blood clots.
• Common side effects like breast tenderness, nausea, and headaches usually improve after 3-6 months.
• If you miss a pill, or experience vomiting or severe diarrhea, consider emergency contraception if unprotected intercourse has occurred.
• Eloine may not be suitable for individuals over 35 who smoke, or those with a BMI over 35, or a family history of certain conditions.
• Check with a pharmacist or doctor about any interactions, especially with medications like antiepileptics, antibiotics, or herbal remedies like St John’s Wort.

Effectiveness:

With perfect use (taking it every day at the same time), Eloine is around 99% effective. This means that in a year, approximately 1 in 100 users could become pregnant. Typical effectiveness is around 91% due to occasional missed pills or delays in taking it.

Need Assistance Choosing a Treatment?

For further information on Eloine and other combined contraceptive pills, consult:

• The Product Summary
• The NHS website

If you'd like more guidance, consider completing our Express Consultation Form for personalised advice.

Choosing the Right Acne Treatment

If you need a diagnosis, you can use our Express Consultation Form

Understanding that acne varies in cause and severity among individuals, it’s essential to find the optimal treatment tailored to each person’s needs. Below is a list of alternative acne treatments:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options:

• Salicylic Acid Products: Effective for unclogging pores. Available in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Common in many OTC acne products. Helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and can mitigate inflammation.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Help in removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: Suitable for all skin types, eliminating excess oil without causing dryness.

Prescription Products:

• Differin 0.1% Gel and Cream: Contains adapalene, a retinoid known for unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
• Duac Gel (3% & 5%): Features benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, an antibiotic effective in reducing bacteria growth.
• Skinoren 20% Cream: Contains azelaic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and comedolytic properties.
• Oral Antibiotics: Includes options like Doxycycline, Oxytetracycline, and Minocycline, which reduce bacteria and inflammation.
• Oral Contraceptives: Options like Dianette and Eloine can help manage hormone-triggered acne in females.
• Spironolactone: Originally for blood pressure management, it can address acne by counteracting the effects of androgens on the skin in women.

Combination Treatments:

• Dalacin-T Lotion / Acnecide 5% Gel Combination Treatment
• Zindaclin 1% Gel / Differin 0.1% Cream/Gel Combination Treatment
• Doxycycline 100mg Caps / Differin 0.1% Cream/Gel Combination Treatment