Androcur is an anti-androgen medicine used to prevent excessive amounts of testosterone (androgens) from causing bodily complications. You may be prescribed Androcur if you are at risk for prostate cancer because androgens may help dangerous cancer cells grow in the body. Cyproterone acetate works by inhibiting the effect of androgens, protecting the prostate from androgens originating from the gonads.

In some cases, Androcur may be prescribed to reduce abnormal sex drive in men. In women, Androcur may be used if women experience excessive hair growth, hair loss, acne, oily skin, and dandruff. Androcur blocks hormones that lead to these symptoms.

Always refer to the packaging instructions before using Androcur
Always completely follow your doctor’s directions.

• This drug is available through an oral tablet
• Do not take Androcur if you have an allergy to Androcur ingredients (including lactose)
• Do not take this medication if the packaging is torn or signs of tampering
• Do not take this drug if you are under 18 or an adolescent
• If you have to take Androcur more than once a day, take your Androcur doses after meals
• Swallow the tablets whole

Before you begin Androcur, tell your doctor if you are allergic to lactose or any other ingredients.

Do not take Androcur if you have the following medical conditions:

• Liver disease or existing liver tumors
• Dubin-Johnson or Rotor syndrome
• Previous or existing benign brain tumor
• Wasting disease
• Severe diabetes
• Sickle-cell anemia

Make sure to tell your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• History of blood clots
• Osteoporosis or a family history of osteoporosis

Do not alter your dose of Androcur without consulting your doctor. Continue taking your medicine as long as your doctor tells you. If you missed a dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next one when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose.

If you begin taking Androcur and feel unwell, you should tell your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible. All medicines may have side effects, but it is unlikely that you will experience serious complications. If you notice any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor:

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Depressive mood
• Weight change
• Breast enlargement in men
• Menstrual cycle irregularity
• Hot flushes
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased sex drive
• Breast pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Osteoporosis

Can pregnant women take Androcur?

No. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant. This drug may affect the development of the fetus during pregnancy. You shouldn’t breastfeed if you are taking this drug because Androcur passes into breast milk.

Does Androcur interact with any other medications?

Ethinyl estradiol, testosterone, and other androgens may interact with the main ingredient of Androcur (cyproterone acetate). You may not have to stop taking these medications, but you may have to alter your dosage. Talk to your doctor about all over-the-counter and prescription medications you take before beginning Androcur.