Cyproterone - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Cyproterone is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat cancer of the prostate gland.

It is used to prevent the worsening of prostate cancer that may occur when you start other therapy, for the long-term treatment of prostate cancer when other medicines or surgery are not suitable, and to treat hot flushes that may occur during therapy with other medicines used for prostate cancer or after surgery.

This medicine is also used to treat problems with controlling sexual impulses, urges, and behaviours in men.

Cyproterone may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Cyproterone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.

Cyproterone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • with or a history of meningioma (a tumour of the tissue layer covering the brain and spinal cord)
  • any type of cancer (except cancer of the prostate gland)
  • wasting diseases (group of diseases marked by progressive weight loss and weakness)
  • severe long-term depression
  • severe diabetes that affects blood circulation
  • sickle-cell anaemia (a type of low red blood cell count in the body)
  • history or existing thromboembolism (blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot)
  • liver disease, including previous or existing liver tumours (except those due to secondary cancers caused by prostate cancer) and certain rare inherited liver problems such as Dubin-Johnson syndrome and Rotor syndrome
as Cyproterone may not be suitable for you.

Do not give this medicine to children below 18 years old or if their bones and testes are not yet fully formed unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • history of depression
  • lung disease
  • kidney disease
Cyproterone is not indicated for use in women.

Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol, or if you are a frequent drinker.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
  • Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take Cyproterone and thereafter depending on your doctor’s advice.
  • Other routine tests (e.g. adrenal gland function, complete blood count, blood sugar, or electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
  • Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of meningioma may also be needed.
What side effects could I experience?
Cyproterone may cause weakness or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause decreased sex drive, reduced fertility, and breast enlargement in men. Discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about these side effects.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, hot flushes, restlessness, sweating, dry skin, and hair loss.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
  • visual changes like blurred or double vision, loss of hearing or sense of smell, ringing in the ears, headaches that worsen over time, memory loss, fits or seizures
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
  • new stomach pain or discomfort that does not go away quickly
  • shortness of breath
  • loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, craving for salty food, feeling faint, irritable or depressed
  • pain, swelling, and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
  • medicines for diabetes e.g. pioglitazone, rosiglitazone
  • medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole
  • medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin
  • cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. pravastatin, rosuvastatin
  • rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
  • ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
  • St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cyproterone.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol. Consuming large amount of alcohol is damaging to your liver.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on cyproterone - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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