Androcur (Cyproterone) is a prescription medication used to reduce abnormal sex drive in men. Abnormal sex drive refers to hypersexuality or sexual deviations where the individual's sex drive is unusually high or problematic. It is also used to treat inoperable prostate cancer cells. In women, Androcur is used to treat severe signs of androgenization, a condition caused by excess male hormones in women, leading to symptoms like excessive body hair growth, hair loss from the scalp, severe acne, and oily skin. The active ingredient in Androcur is Cyproterone. Cyproterone belongs to a class of medications known as ant-androgens. It works by blocking androgen receptors, preventing male sex hormones (androgens like testosterone) from binding to them and exerting their effects. It also reduces the production of androgens by inhibiting the release of gonadotropins (hormones that stimulate androgen production) from the pituitary gland.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Androcur from Australia and Turkey, manufactured by Bayer, in strengths of 50 mg and 100 mg tablets. It is also available from Canada, manufactured by PharmaScience in the strength of 50 mg tablets. The generic Cyproterone is currently unavailable (at this pharmacy).
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Androcur. The most common side effects of Androcur may include the following:
• Decreased sexual interest or ability (libido);
• Drowsiness;
• Dry skin;
• Heartburn;
• Tiredness;
• Weight gain
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Depression;
• Increase in blood sugar levels;
• Liver problems;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of Androcur's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Androcur if you are allergic to Cyproterone or any ingredient in Androcur. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a history of a heart attack;
• Have a history of blood clots;
• Have cancer;
• Have lactose intolerance;
• Have liver disease;
• Have presence or history of meningioma;
• Have severe chronic depression;
• Have severe diabetes;
• Have sickle-cell anemia
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Androcur and other medicines, such as flutamide, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, rifampicin, phenytoin, St. John's wort, statins, anti-diabetic medications, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using this medication in pregnancy can cause feminization in male fetuses. You need a negative pregnancy test before commencing treatment with Androcur. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy when using this medication. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It may not be safe to breastfeed when using Cyproterone. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine when breastfeeding with your doctor.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Androcur is a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Your dose will depend on the condition you are treating. Take this medicine immediately after a meal. Your doctor may order regular liver function tests when you are taking this medicine. Androcur can make you dizzy. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Androcur can affect sperm production and fertility in men. However, please do not rely on it for contraception. Store this drug at room temperature, away from moisture, excessive heat, and direct sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.