Pregnancy
Do not take Androcur during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. Women who could become pregnant may need reliable contraception during treatment.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if pregnancy occurs while taking Androcur.
Hormonal Contraception
Androcur may be prescribed together with a specific hormonal contraceptive for some androgen-related conditions in women.
Follow the exact treatment schedule provided by your healthcare provider. Do not start, stop, or switch birth-control pills without medical advice, as this may affect treatment and pregnancy prevention.
Liver Problems
Androcur can cause serious liver damage. The risk may be higher with larger doses or longer treatment.
Do not take Androcur if you have severe liver disease. Tell your healthcare provider about any history of hepatitis, liver tumours, or abnormal liver test results.
Regular liver-function tests may be required. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual tiredness
- Pain in the upper-right abdomen
Blood Clots
Androcur may increase the risk of blood clots, particularly when it is used with estrogen-containing medication.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, clotting disorders, smoking, obesity, or long periods of limited movement.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- Pain or swelling in one leg
- Sudden chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Difficulty speaking
Bone Health
Long-term reduction of androgen levels may weaken the bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis or fractures.
The risk may be greater in older adults and people with other osteoporosis risk factors.
Your healthcare provider may monitor your bone health and recommend adequate calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, or other treatments when appropriate.
Mood Changes
Androcur may cause tiredness, low mood, or depression in some people.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of depression or another mood disorder. Contact them promptly if you develop persistent sadness, loss of interest, major changes in sleep or appetite, or other concerning mood changes.
Dizziness and Reduced Alertness
Androcur may cause tiredness, dizziness, reduced concentration, or confusion.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform hazardous activities until you know how the medication affects you.
These effects may be stronger when Androcur is combined with alcohol or other medications that cause drowsiness.
Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Changes
Androcur may affect blood sugar and fat levels in the blood.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or another metabolic condition. Blood tests may be needed, and diabetes medication may require adjustment.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience increased thirst, frequent urination, unusual hunger, or unexplained tiredness.
Potassium Levels
Cyproterone acetate has mild hormone-like effects that may influence potassium levels in some patients.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease or take potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or other medications that may increase potassium.
Blood tests may be required if you have a higher risk of elevated potassium levels.
Menstrual Changes and Fertility
Androcur may cause menstrual changes, including irregular bleeding or missed periods.
It may also temporarily reduce fertility. Men may experience reduced sperm production, while women may experience changes in ovulation.
Menstrual cycles and fertility may gradually return after treatment is stopped, but recovery varies.
Laboratory Tests
Androcur may affect liver tests, hormone levels, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other laboratory results.
Tell the healthcare provider or laboratory staff that you are taking Androcur before having blood tests.
Regular monitoring may include:
- Liver function
- Complete blood-cell counts
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol levels
- Hormone levels
- Potassium
- Bone health
Medication Interactions
Androcur may interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements.
Important interactions may occur with:
- Hormonal treatments
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
- Medicines that affect the liver
- Medications that increase potassium
- Products that cause dizziness or drowsiness
Tell your healthcare provider about everything you take. Do not start, stop, or change another medication without medical guidance.
Use Only Under Medical Supervision
Take Androcur only at the dose and for the length of time prescribed.
Regular medical monitoring is important because the medication can cause serious liver, blood-clotting, hormonal, and neurological side effects. Do not change your dose or stop treatment without speaking with your healthcare provider.
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