What are Faye pills used for?
Faye is a prescription medication that combines two hormones, cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol, to address conditions influenced by androgens (male hormones) in women. The primary uses of Faye are for severe acne and hirsutism, with an important secondary benefit of providing contraception. It is not approved or intended to be used as a standalone contraceptive product.
Treating Androgen-Related Conditions
The main therapeutic applications for Faye are androgen-dependent diseases, particularly skin conditions that have not responded to standard treatments, such as oral antibiotics.
- Severe Acne: The medication can effectively treat pronounced forms of acne, including inflammatory or nodulocystic types. The therapeutic effect typically becomes noticeable after 3 to 4 months of consistent use, with a reduction in both blemishes and excessive skin oiliness (seborrhea).
- Hirsutism: Faye is used to manage mild forms of hirsutism, which is the excessive growth of dark or coarse hair in a male-like pattern on a woman's body. This effect takes longer to become apparent, often requiring several months of treatment.
- Androgenetic Alopecia: In addition to skin and hair growth issues, Faye can also be used to treat androgen-related hair loss on the scalp in women.
Contraceptive Function
Due to its hormonal components, Faye also functions as a highly reliable form of birth control when taken as prescribed.
- Prevents Ovulation: The combination of hormones primarily works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
- Alters Cervical Mucus: The medication also thickens the mucus in the cervix, creating a barrier that makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus.
- Modifies Uterine Lining: The lining of the uterus is changed, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
How Faye pills work
The effectiveness of Faye lies in its two active ingredients, which work synergistically to address both androgen-related symptoms and pregnancy prevention.
- Cyproterone Acetate: This is a progestin with strong antiandrogenic properties. It works by competitively blocking androgen receptors, which are found in androgen-sensitive tissues like skin and hair follicles. It also has an antigonadotropic effect, which decreases the concentration of androgens in the bloodstream.
- Ethinylestradiol: This is a synthetic estrogen that enhances the antiandrogenic effect of cyproterone acetate. It increases the production of Sex-Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) in the blood, which binds to free-floating androgens, further reducing their biological activity.
Important safety information and considerations
Using Faye requires careful consideration of the associated risks and proper medical guidance.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots
As a combined oral contraceptive (COC), Faye carries a risk of serious circulatory disorders, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). This risk is higher during the first year of use and is why Faye is not recommended for women seeking only contraception. The risk is also elevated in smokers over 35 years of age.
Common and Serious Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Headache or migraine
- Nausea and stomach upset
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, particularly in the first few cycles
- Weight changes
- Mood changes, including depression
Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include:
- Chest pain, pressure, or shortness of breath
- Sudden severe headache
- Vision changes
- Pain, swelling, or numbness in an arm or leg
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Contraindications
Faye should not be used by women with a history of or current conditions including:
- Blood clots (DVT, PE, etc.)
- Heart attack or stroke
- Severe liver disease or liver tumors
- Certain cancers, including breast or genital organ cancers
- History of migraine with aura
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Comparison of Faye with other hormonal treatments
| Feature | Faye (Cyproterone Acetate + Ethinylestradiol) | Yaz (Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol + Levomefolate) | Junel Fe (Norethindrone + Ethinylestradiol + Ferrous Fumarate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Cyproterone acetate, ethinylestradiol | Drospirenone, ethinylestradiol, levomefolate | Norethindrone acetate, ethinylestradiol, ferrous fumarate |
| Primary Indication | Severe acne, hirsutism, alopecia | PMDD, acne, contraception | Contraception, moderate acne |
| Special Caution | Should not be used solely for contraception due to increased VTE risk. | Potential for increased potassium levels due to drospirenone. | Contains ferrous fumarate as a reminder pill, not to treat iron deficiency. |
| Hormonal Action | Strong anti-androgenic effect and antigonadotropic effect. | Anti-androgenic effect and mineralocorticoid activity from drospirenone. | Standard progestin and estrogen action. |
Conclusion
In summary, Faye is a specific, prescription-only medication for women dealing with severe androgen-dependent issues like acne and hirsutism. Its powerful anti-androgenic and contraceptive properties make it a targeted treatment for these conditions while also preventing pregnancy. However, it is crucial for users and healthcare providers to understand that its use is not limited to birth control, and the duration of therapy is typically several months. The elevated risk of serious side effects, such as blood clots, necessitates careful medical evaluation and monitoring to ensure it is the most appropriate and safest treatment option. For more detailed information on precautions and risks, consult the official prescribing information.
For a general overview of combined oral contraceptives and their risks, the MedlinePlus page on Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone is a helpful resource.
