Androcur 50 mg 

Androcur 50 mg is an antiandrogen medicine containing cyproterone acetate as the active ingredient. In males, androgens support the growth of cancer cells in some types of prostate cancer. By blocking the activities of these hormones, cyproterone slows down the growth of cancer cells. Androcur may also be prescribed with other medicines or following surgical removal of the testicles to treat adverse effects such as sweats or hot flushes and prevent any disease from worsening.

This anti-androgen is also effective in reducing abnormal sex drive in men. Cyproterone acetate shields the prostate from the effects of androgens. Prostate cancer and its metastases are androgen-dependent; cyproterone, therefore, exerts a direct antiandrogenic effect on the tumour and its metastases. These changes are reversible following discontinuation of treatment.   

How to use  Androcur 50 mg

Your doctor will prescribe the most suitable dose to treat the ailment. For the treatment of prostate cancer, the usual dose is 50 mg. You may be asked to take Androcur with other medicines or change the dose during the treatment.  

For the reduction of abnormal sex drive, generally, the treatment begins with a 50 mg dose twice a day. The dose may be increased or changed according to the patient’s condition.     

Precautions and warnings

Do not take Androcur 50 mg if you know hypersensitivity to cyproterone acetate or other medicine ingredients. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include wheezing or breathing problems, shortness of breath, rash/itching/hives, and swelling of lips, tongue, throat, or other body parts. Androcur is not recommended in children/adolescents below 18 and women. Avoid taking this antiandrogen medicine if you have liver disease, a history of jaundice, a previous or existing benign brain tumour, depression, severe diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, and wasting disease. Cyproterone tablets contain lactose. If you have been told by your health care specialist that you have an intolerance to some sugars, discuss it with him before taking cyproterone.

It is recommended that a sperm count needs to be checked to establish fertility before commencing Androcur. It takes up to 3 to 20 months for fertile sperm production to be re-established after treatment discontinuation. Some medicines and cyproterone may interfere with each other.   

These include medicines for epilepsy, fungal infections, HIV, mood disorders, cholesterol-lowering medications, and antidiabetic agents.   

Side effects

The common side effects of Androcur 50 mg are weight change, tiredness, fatigue, weight change, nausea, breast enlargement in men, osteoporosis, hot flushes, decreased drive, depressed mood, shortness of breath, change in breast size, swelling, tenderness, and gastrointestinal complaints. Do not be alarmed by the list of side effects; you may not get all of them.