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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Medications

As part of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment, medicines can be used to help control reproductive hormone or insulin levels.

Medication Choices

Medicines to treat reproductive or metabolic problems of PCOS include:

Eflornithine (such as Vaniqa) is a prescription skin cream that slows hair growth for as long as you use it regularly. Talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you.

Treatment for acne includes nonprescription and prescription medicines that are applied to the skin (topical) or taken by mouth (oral). For more information, see the topic Acne Vulgaris.

Combination hormone pills can improve acne that is related to high androgen levels. 3

What To Think About

Metformin has been shown to be a useful treatment for many of the problems in PCOS. Taking metformin may improve fertility, reduce miscarriages and gestational diabetes, and reduce long-term health problems. 3 The use of metformin in pregnancy remains controversial although the risk appears to be small. Metformin is only FDA-approved for the treatment of diabetes, so the use of this medicine for treating PCOS symptoms should be discussed with your doctor.

Some prescription progestins raise androgen levels. There are three prescription progestins that do not increase androgen levels and are best for PCOS treatment. The combination birth control pills that contain these progestins are drospirenone (Yasmin, or "Yaz"); norgestimate (Ortho-Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo); and desogestrel (Mircette, Desogen, Ortho-Cept, and Cyclessa). 3

Some medicines to treat abnormal hair growth may increase your risk for insulin-related metabolic problems, so it is important to discuss medicine side effects with your doctor.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 23, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:

  • · having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
  • · leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
  • · having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENBLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENBALEX affects you.

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