DUS on the Prescribing Indications for CPA/EE in 5 European Countries

Cyproterone acetate (CPA) 2mg, in combination with ethinyl estradiol (EE) 35mcg, is a medicinal product currently indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe acne in women of reproductive age. Due to the combination with ethinyl estradiol and the dosing, the preparations also act as effective contraceptives.

In 2012, the French health authority conducted a national review of Cyproterone Acetate combined with Ethinyl Estradiol and highlighted serious thromboembolic events and extensive off-label use of these medicines as a contraceptive only. This triggered an Urgent Union Procedure at the beginning of 2013. The European Medicines Agency's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) concluded that the benefits of Cyproterone Acetate combined with Ethinyl Estradiol (cyproterone acetate 2mg / ethinyl estradiol 35mcg) outweigh the risks, providing that several measures are taken to minimize the risk of thromboembolism. These medicines should be used solely for the treatment of moderate to severe acne related to androgen sensitivity and/or hirsutism in women of reproductive age. Since Cyproterone Acetate combined with Ethinyl Estradiol acts as a hormonal contraceptive, women should not take these medicines in combination with hormonal contraceptives. As one of the risk minimization measures, the Market Authorization Holders were required to conduct a number of studies including this drug utilization survey.

This study was a multi-national, cross sectional, prospective, non-interventional, drug utilization study conducted in 5 countries. Study participants were recruited by a network of health care professionals. Physicians collected information from study participants based on questionnaires. This was a one-time survey with no follow-up.

Bayer initiated this study and supported it by an unconditional grant to ZEG. Bayer was not actively involved in the study conduct.

Prolongation of recruitment:

At the beginning of May 2016 the recruitment was finished in 4 of the 5 European countries in which the study was conducted (Austria, Czech Republic, The Netherlands, and Spain). At that point in time, only few patients were enrolled in France because of a delayed recruitment start. Therefore, it was agreed to extend the recruitment phase in France until 31st October 2016, in order to ensure that information on the use of Cyproterone Acetate (combined with Ethinyl Estradiol) would be collected from all participating countries.

Inclusion criteria

• Women who are prescribed Cyproterone Acetate combined with Ethinyl Estradiol during the study period
• Women who are willing to participate in the drug utilization study

Exclusion criteria

• Women who are not willing to sign the informed consent
• Women with a language barrier