This medication is used to treat advanced prostate
cancer. It is not a cure. Cyproterone is used to control flare-up of
disease symptoms or hot flashes caused by other treatments. It also helps
slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer by blocking the effects of
testosterone and by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body
makes. Testosterone, a natural hormone, helps prostate cancer to grow and
spread. Cyproterone is a type of progestin hormone.
Cyproterone should not be used by children.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day after meals. The dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to treatment.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse (such as urination becomes more difficult, bone pain
increases).
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and
lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle
this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.
Tiredness is common during the first few weeks of
treatment but usually improves by the third month. Dry skin, temporary loss
of patches of body hair, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach
upset, flushing of the face/neck, sweating, decreased sexual
interest/ability, and male breast enlargement/tenderness may also occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- breast lumps
- mental/mood changes (such as new/worsening depression)
- new/worsening bone pain
- fast heartbeat
- rapid weight change
- swelling of the ankles/feet
- increased thirst/urination
- easy bleeding/bruising
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills)
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea that doesn't stop,
vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
This medication may rarely cause blood clots. Get
medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects
occur:
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- sudden vision changes
- confusion
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden/severe headaches
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- sudden dizziness/fainting
- unusual sweating
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking cyproterone, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- depression
- blood clots
- diabetes
- heart disease (such as heart failure, coronary artery
disease)
- high cholesterol/fats in the blood
- decreased adrenal gland function
- tumor of the coverings of the brain (meningioma)
If you have diabetes, this medication may affect your
blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the
results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms
of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may
need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or
diet.
This drug may make you dizzy or very tired. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or tired. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis). Alcohol may worsen this drug's side effects and may interfere
with the way this drug works.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin
blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication can affect fertility in males. Ask your
doctor for more details.
This medication should not be used by women, especially
during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may harm an unborn or breastfeeding
baby. Consult your doctor for more details.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- products containing testosterone
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function, PSA
blood test, blood counts) should be done while you are taking this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.