Cyproterone Acetate
Brand names Androcur, Cyprostat
Used in the following combined preparation Dianette
GENERAL INFORMATION
Cyproterone acetate is a synthetic sex hormone that blocks the action of male sex hormones. It has effects similar to those of progesterone, a natural female sex hormone.
The drug is used on its own as part of the treatment of prostate cancer. It is also occasionally used to alter sexual behaviour in male sexual deviants.
Cyproterone is given in a combined preparation with an oestrogen drug in the treatment of severe acne in women who have not responded to antibiotics.
This preparation is also used to reduce excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women. Combined with oestrogen, cyproterone has a contraceptive effect, although it is not prescribed as an oral contraceptive unless other reasons for taking the drug are present. (See also Oral contraceptives .)
Cyproterone may reduce sperm production and thus cause infertility in men, but this normally corrects itself after drug treatment is stopped.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses
2 x daily (sexual deviation); 2-3 x daily (prostate cancer); once daily for 21 days each month (acne).
Adult dosage range
100mg daily (sexual deviation); 300mg daily (prostate cancer); 2mg daily (acne).
Onset of effect
Beneficial effect may not be noticed for several months.
Duration of action
24 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. Women relying on the drug for contraception should follow the advice under
What to do if you miss a pill.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor; stopping the drug may lead to worsening of the underlying condition and contraceptive protection will be lost.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The most common adverse effects of this drug, breast tenderness or enlargement and weight changes, usually diminish during continued treatment.
INTERACTIONS
None.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Synthetic sex hormone used in the treatment of acne and anticancer drug
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have a long-term liver problem.
You suffer from depression. You have had blood clots.
You have diabetes.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. May cause female characteristics in a male baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not prescribed.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how cyproterone affects you because the drug can cause tiredness.
Alcohol
Keep consumption low. Alcohol may reduce the beneficial effects of cyproterone.
PROLONGED USE
Cyproterone may occasionally cause anaemia or liver damage in long-term use.
Monitoring Blood tests to check levels of blood cells and liver function will be carried out periodically.
