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Home > Drug Category > Prostate Medication (BPH) > Androcur and Equivalent

Androcur Information

Androcur (Cyproterone) is quite a powerful medication given the fact that it's a steroidal antiandrogen. Its uses can vary significantly between men and women, mainly due to the differences in hormonal concerns. It is primarily used in men as an antiandrogen treatment for inoperable prostate cancer. It is used to block androgens (which the cancer cells depend on for growth) and, subsequently, slow or halt the development of the cancer cells. Cyproterone is also used to control sex drive in men with hypersexuality or abnormally high sex drive with sexual deviations. However, this is only done when other interventions are deemed inappropriate.

In women, it is typically used in low doses to treat moderate to severe signs of having high levels of androgens in the body, such as severe acne, excessive hair growth on the face and body, and significant scalp hair loss leading to baldness, while also providing contraception. Furthermore, cyproterone is also sometimes used as transgender hormone therapy in transfeminine individuals to suppress testosterone production. However, its use for this purpose and the appropriate dosage are often handled quite specifically by specialists.

This medication has a dual mechanism of action, which makes it particularly effective. It acts on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, reducing the release of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. This, in turn, signals the testes in men to reduce testosterone production, lowering circulating testosterone levels. Also, it binds to androgen receptors in various parts of the body, preventing testosterone that has already been released from exerting its effects on those receptors and surrounding tissues.

Androcur Side Effects

Androcur can have some side effects. It's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and the severity and frequency can vary from person to person. Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, stomach discomfort, changes in appetite, decreased libido, irritability, breast tenderness, general feeling of being unwell, frequent urination, headache, heartburn, hot flushes, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects don't resolve or bother you.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Anemia (low red blood cells) with symptoms such as dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness;
• Blood clots with symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties, pain, redness, or swelling in the legs, especially the calf;
• Breathing problems such as wheezing, cough, shortness of breath; • Depression;
• Liver toxicity with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellow eyes, and skin;
• Low blood pressure with symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, fainting, or light-headedness when rising from a sitting or lying position;
• Meningioma with symptoms such as sudden and severe headaches, hearing loss, seizures, and vision changes;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms like fever, abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea;
• Stroke with symptoms like sudden or severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, vision changes, sudden slurring of speech

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Androcur Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to cyproterone, other ingredients in Androcur, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Adrenal gland problems;
• Brain tumors such as meningioma;
• Blood cell problems such as anemia;
• Blood clot problems;
• Bone problems such as osteoporosis;
• Breathing problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• Cancer;
• Depression;
• Diabetes;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease

Avoid alcohol and alcoholic beverages while taking cyproterone, as alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of this medication. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medication until you know how it affects you, as it can cause drowsiness, thereby affecting your mental or physical abilities. Avoid taking this medication during pregnancy as it can lead to signs of feminisation in the male foetus. Women of reproductive age are advised to use a reliable form of contraception while taking Androcur. Also, do not breastfeed while using this medication. Androcur is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age or girls who have not completed puberty.

Some medications may negatively affect how Androcur works. Some of them include antifungals, cholesterol drugs, phenytoin, ritonavir, and diabetes medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies you are using before starting Androcur. This medication is available as tablets for oral use. Take the tablets by mouth at the same time each day. It is best taken with food to enhance absorption and reduce the likelihood of stomach upset. Please consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for you, as it typically depends on your condition. Please do not stop the drug suddenly unless your doctor directs you to. Your doctor may do some baseline tests to monitor the effects of this medication on your body. Store the medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Androcur?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Androcur.