A 26-year-old woman has been using the desogestrel POP for 2 years. She develops persistent acne that she finds distressing. She does not want to stop...

Question

A 26-year-old woman has been using the desogestrel POP for 2 years. She develops persistent acne that she finds distressing. She does not want to stop the POP. Her GP suggests adding a short course of combined oral contraceptive to help the acne. Is this appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Adding a COC containing an anti-androgenic progestogen (e.g. co-cyprindiol or a drospirenone-containing COC) can be considered for acne treatment alongside the POP; this is an off-label approach and the woman should be counselled

Answer

No, dual use of POP and COC is never appropriate

Answer

She must stop the POP before starting any CHC

Answer

Adding CHC to POP doubles the VTE risk

Answer

Only isotretinoin can treat acne on the POP

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): Adding CHC to POP for Acne Off-Label

A 26-year-old woman has been using the desogestrel POP for 2 years. She develops persistent acne that she finds distressing. She does not want to stop the POP. Her GP suggests adding a short course of combined oral contraceptive to help the acne. Is this appropriate?