Description
Usage and Description for Androcur Tab:
Androcur tab contains Cyproterone is available as an oral (by mouth) tablet and as a long-acting injectable. The recommended dose for cyproterone tablets is 200 mg to 300 mg (4 to 6 tablets) daily, divided into 2 to 3 doses and taken after meals.
For men who have had an orchiectomy (removal of testicles), a lower dose of 100 mg to 200 mg daily in divided doses is recommended. The recommended dose for the long-acting form of cyproterone (Androcur® Depot) is 300 mg injected into a muscle once a week.
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Androcur tab (Cyproterone) belongs to a group of medications known as steroidal antiandrogens. It is used to treat advanced prostate cancer. Antiandrogens such as cyproterone block the effect of the hormone called testosterone.
This causes a reduction in the production of testosterone in the testicles, which prostate cancer cells require for growth.
What form(s) does Androcur tab come in?
Each white to faintly yellowish, round, flat-sided, bevelled-edged tablet, imprinted one side “BV” in a regular hexagon, other side scored, contains cyproterone acetate 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silicica, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, and povidone 25.
How should I use Androcur tab?
Androcur tab (Cyproterone) is available as an oral (by mouth) tablet and as a long-acting injectable. The recommended dose for cyproterone tablets is 200 mg to 300 mg (4 to 6 tablets) daily, divided into 2 to 3 doses and taken after meals. For men who have had an orchiectomy (removal of testicles), a lower dose of 100 mg to 200 mg daily in divided doses is recommended.
The recommended dose for the long-acting form of cyproterone (Androcur® Depot) is 300 mg injected into a muscle once a week. For men who have had an orchiectomy, the recommended dose is 300 mg injected every 2 weeks.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Androcur tab (Cyproterone) can cause weakness and tiredness when you first start to take it. After about the third month, your body will become accustomed to the medication and this effect should be lessened.
It is important to take Androcur tab exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking cyproterone tablets and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Alcohol intake should be limited while taking cyproterone because it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
Store the medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take Androcur tab?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic or sensitive to cyproterone or any ingredients of this medication
- have active liver disease or reduced liver function
- have or have a history of liver tumours
- have or have a history of a benign brain tumour (meningioma)
- have severe, long-term depression
- have a condition that increases your risk of blood clots
- have a wasting disease (a disease that causes unintended weight loss) unrelated to prostate cancer
- have Dubin Johnson or Rotor syndromes (diseases that cause bilirubin to build up in the body)
- have reduced kidney function
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Androcur tab can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Androcur tab. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- breast lumps (e.g., swelling and tenderness, skin irritation, pain)
- constipation
- decreased sexual interest or ability
- decreased fertility
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- general feeling of being unwell
- frequent urination
- hair loss
- headache
- heartburn
- hot flashes
- impotence
- nausea
- reduced (or increased) sexual interest
- skin bleeding, blistering, coldness, or discoloration
- swelling of the breasts or breast soreness
- tiredness or weakness
- unusual increase in hair growth
- vomiting
- weight changes
