Cyproterone

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 in injected into a muscle once a week.

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.

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 Cyproterone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next 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.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause diarrhea; it may cause unusual tiredness; occasionally, it may cause breast development in men; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it can cause dryness of the skin; it may cause difficulty with erection. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each off-white, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edged tablet, embossed "CYP" over "50" and scored on one side, contains cyproterone acetate 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscaramellose sodium, and magnesium stearate.

Do not take Cyproterone if you:

• are allergic or sensitive to cyproterone or any ingredients of Cyproterone
• have active liver disease or reduced liver function
• have reduced kidney function

There may be an interaction between cyproterone and any of the following:

• ethinyl Estradiol
• testosterone and androgens

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Cyproterone. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, decongestants, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cyproterone.

Alcohol: The effectiveness of cyproterone may be reduced if you consume alcohol. You should limit the amount of alcohol you drink when taking Cyproterone.

Depression: Cyproterone use has occasionally been associated with an increased incidence of depressive mood changes, especially with start of therapy. You should notify your doctor if you've had depression in the past.

Diabetes: Cyproterone may cause blood glucose levels to increase if you have diabetes mellitus.

Heart disease: Cyproterone can cause fluid to accumulate in the body. If you have heart disease, be cautious when using Cyproterone because your heart may have to work harder.

Liver disease: Cyproterone can cause damage to the liver. It usually develops after several months of treatment. Your doctor will monitor your liver function with blood tests if there are any symptoms or signs of liver damage.

Pregnancy: Cyproterone is not for use by women.

Breast-feeding: Cyproterone is not for use by women.

Children: Cyproterone is not recommended for use in children.

This medication is typically used 3 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication should be taken immediately after finishing a meal. Consuming alcohol may modify the effect of this product. Limit alcohol consumption during treatment.