Androcur (Cyproterone Acetate 50mg) (Sourced from Turkey)

Androcur general information

What is Androcur used for?

Androcur tablets 50mg are used to treat inoperable prostate cancer (carcinoma of the prostate), a tumour that is dependent on androgens (male hormones like testosterone) to grow.  Androcur tablets 50mg are also used to control of libido in severe hypersexuality and/or sexual deviation in the adult males to reduce sex drive and sexual aggression in sex offenders.  Androcur 50mg can also be used, in conjunction with oestrogen supplements as part of the feminisation process for male to female transsexuals. 

How does Androcur work?

Androcur tablets 50mg contain cyproterone, which is an anti-androgen that blocks the biological effects of androgens, like the male hormone testosterone, on cells containing androgen receptors.  Prostate cancer is an androgen-dependent tumour, which means that it needs testosterone to grow.  Cyproterone in Androcur 50mg binds to the androgen receptors on the tumour cells blocking the action of testosterone, which then cannot bind to the cells and stimulate the tumour cells to grow, thereby protecting the prostate from the effect of androgens.  Androcur tablets 50mg block biological effects of androgen on other cells with andogen receptors, such as reducing the production of male hormones in the testes, which reduces aggression and increased sex drive (hypersexuality), caused by over-production of testosterone, and the effects are reversible.  Blocking the effects of androgens is also a means of promoting feminisation in transgender hormone therapy for male to female transsexuals.  

What does Androcur contain?

Androcur tablets contain the active ingredient cyproterone acetate 50mg, which is an antiandrogen and blocks the biological effects of androgens like testosterone.  They also contain lactose maize starch, povidone 25 000, silicon dioxide (aerosil) (E551) magnesium stearate (E572)

Treating prostate cancer with Androcur

Androcur tablets 50 mg contain the active ingredient cyproterone, which is an anti-androgen that blocks the biological effects of androgens like testosterone.  Prostate cancer (prostatic carcinoma) is an androgen-dependent tumour of the prostate gland, which means that it needs testosterone to grow.  Cyproterone in Androcur tablets 50mg binds to the androgen receptors on the tumour cells blocking the action of testosterone and its metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which then cannot bind to the prostate cells and stimulate the tumour cells to grow.  Therefore, Androcur tablets 50 mg protect the prostate from the effect of androgens and cause the tumour to stop growing and to shrink.  Prostatic carcinoma cells are still inhibited by Androcur, even when they have spread to other parts of the body (metastasised), so that Androcur tablets 50 mg can help prevent the spread of the tumour, although they cannot cure the tumour. 

Androcur for feminising hormone therapy

Androcur tablets 50 mg contain the active ingredient cyproterone, which is an antiandrogen that blocks the biological effects of androgens like testosterone.  The feminisation process for male to female transsexuals involves achieving female characteristics as well as losing male attributes.  Cyproterone works by reducing the production of male hormones in the testes and blocking the action of testosterone, like inducing body hair and beard growth so that Androcur 50 mg can be used as the anti-androgen component of feminising hormone therapy. 

What are the side effects of Androcur?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Androcur tablets 50mg in men include breast tenderness, breast pain (gynaecomastia) and inhibition of sperm production, leading to temporary infertility, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.  Other side effects include: tiredness and diminished vitality, temporary inner restlessness or depressive moods, and changes in body weight.

When should Androcur not be used?

You should not use Androcur tablets 50mg if you:

• are allergic to cyproterone or any ingredients in Androcur
• have liver disease, jaundice or a history of liver tumours
• severe chronic depression
• have deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders or cerebral vascular accident
• are a diabetic taking antidiabetics or insulin, without discussion with your doctor, as Androcur may affect your glucose tolerance

How should Androcur be taken?

You should take your Androcur tablets 50mg swallowed whole and after a meal, once or twice a day, depending on what you are being treated for and the recommendations of your doctor.  You should continue to take your Androcur tablets 50mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several days or weeks. 

How long should you take Androcur?

You should take your Androcur tablets 50mg for as long as your doctor recommends, which may be a few days or several weeks, depending on what you are being treated for. 

Missed dose of Androcur

If you miss a dose of Androcur tablets 50mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Androcur be stored?

You should store your Androcur tablets 50mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.