Androcur 50mg is used to lower sexual desire in cases of abnormal sexual behaviors. It is also used to treat prostate cancer that cannot be treated with surgery, and to help with conditions like hair loss, baldness, and excessive hair growth.
1. What is Androcur? Ingredients of the medication
Androcur 50mg is a hormone medication that helps reduce sexual desire. It works by blocking the effects of male hormones androgens in the body. This reduces sexual desire and sexual ability in men, and in women, it affects ovarian function.
The main ingredient in Androcur 50mg is Cyproterone acetate (50mg), with other inactive ingredients to make the tablet.
2. Uses of androcur 50mg in treatment
Androcur is used for specific conditions:
In men:
- To reduce sexual desire in cases of sexual deviation.
- As an androgen blocker for prostate cancer that cannot be treated by surgery.
In women:
- To treat symptoms of virilization (e.g., excessive hair growth, acne, oily skin, and hair loss).
3. Correct dosage of Androcur
Androcur is taken by mouth in the form of tablets. It is mainly for adults over 18 years old. Always read the instructions before using the medication.
Typically, Androcur is taken with water after meals, with a maximum daily dose of 300mg.
3.1. Reducing sexual desire in cases of sexual deviation in men
Start with a dose of 50mg, taken twice daily. If needed, the dose can be increased to 100mg per day (2 tablets), taken twice a day. It can also be taken three times a day with 2 tablets each time, but this higher dose should only be used for a short period.
Once the desired effect is achieved, reduce the dose to the lowest possible level, usually 1/2 tablet twice daily. If treatment needs to be stopped, the dose should be reduced gradually.
To stabilize the treatment effects, Androcur may be used for a long duration, potentially in combination with psychological therapy.
3.2. Androgen-blocking treatment for prostate cancer
In this case, Androcur is taken 2-3 times a day, with 2 tablets (50mg) each time. The dose should not be reduced or stopped suddenly after improvement is seen.
Androcur can be combined with GnRH agonists during the early treatment phase to lower male hormone levels.
Initially, take 50mg twice daily for 5-7 days. Afterward, combine Androcur 50mg with a GnRH agonist for 3-4 weeks as recommended by the manufacturer.
For managing hot flashes in patients using GnRH agonists or post-orchiectomy, Androcur is taken at 50-100mg per day (1-3 tablets), and the dose can be increased to 300mg (2 tablets, three times a day) if necessary.
3.3. Women of reproductive age
Pregnant women should not use Androcur. For women of reproductive age, treatment begins on the first day of their menstrual cycle. Women with no menstruation can start treatment with a prescription.
Typically, women take 2 tablets (50mg) once a day for 1-10 days during their menstrual cycle. They must also take progesterone and estrogen (e.g., Diane 35) to prevent pregnancy and regulate their cycle.
After 21 days of use, stop taking the medication for 7 days. After 4 weeks, begin the next treatment cycle, regardless of menstruation.
Once treatment shows improvement, the dose can be reduced to 1 or 1/2 tablet daily for the first 10 days of the next cycle, with Diane 35.
- No menstruation: If there is no menstruation, stop the medication to rule out pregnancy before starting treatment.
- Missed doses: It’s important to take the medication at the same time every day. If a dose is missed for more than 12 hours, it may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive and the treatment. Do not increase the dose to make up for a missed dose.
- Post-menopausal or hysterectomy patients: For post-menopausal women or those who have had a hysterectomy, Androcur can be used alone. The dose is usually between 1 to 1/2 tablet daily, and the medication should be stopped after 7 days.
3.4. Use of Androcur in Children and Adolescents
Androcur is prescribed for women who have passed puberty. The dosage is the same as for adults. Additionally, Androcur is not recommended for male adolescents or children under 18 years old due to a lack of conclusive data on its safety and effectiveness in this age group. It should not be used before puberty as it may interfere with normal physical development and disrupt the endocrine system.
3.5. Use of Androcur in Older Adults
There is currently no evidence suggesting the need for dosage adjustments in older adults. Androcur is contraindicated in women with liver disease. For patients with kidney failure, there is no clear need to adjust the dosage.
4. Contraindications of Androcur 50mg
The following are contraindications for using Androcur in both males and females:
Androcur is not recommended for adolescent males or children under 18 years of age. It is also contraindicated for men with:
- Liver disease;
- Dubin-Johnson syndrome or Rotor syndrome;
- History or presence of liver tumors or meningioma;
- Severe chronic depression;
- History or risk of thromboembolic events (blood clots);
- Severe diabetes;
- Anemia;
- Allergies to the drug.
In females: Androcur is not recommended for:
- Girls before puberty;
- Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers;
- Women with liver disease;
- Dubin-Johnson syndrome or Rotor syndrome;
- A history of jaundice or prolonged itching during a previous pregnancy
- Pregnancy-related herpes;
- History or presence of liver tumors or meningioma;
- Severe chronic depression;
- History or risk of thromboembolic events;
- Severe diabetes;
- Anemia;
- Allergies to the drug.
5. Side Effects
The use of Androcur may cause certain side effects in both males and females:
In males:
- Common side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and disruptions in sperm production. It may also inhibit the function of the gonads, leading to breast enlargement and tenderness, though these effects may reverse after discontinuation of the drug.
- Serious reactions may include liver toxicity, abdominal bleeding, and blood clots.
- After several weeks of treatment, the androgen-blocking and gonadotropin-inhibiting effects can reduce sperm production, but sperm generation may gradually recover once the medication is stopped.
- here have been reports of meningioma associated with long-term use (several years) of Androcur at doses of 25mg or higher.
In females:
- Common side effects include spotting, weight gain, and depression.
- Serious side effects include liver toxicity, both benign and malignant liver tumors, which may result in abdominal bleeding or blood clots. The treatment may also suppress ovulation, leading to infertility. When Androcur is combined with Diane-35, additional side effects may occur.
- Long-term use (several years) of Androcur at doses of 25mg or higher has been associated with benign meningioma.
Androcur is effective in reducing libido in cases of sexual dysfunction, treating prostate cancer that cannot be surgically removed, and conditions such as excessive hair growth or hair loss. To ensure safety and maximize treatment effectiveness, patients should use the medication strictly according to their doctor's instructions.
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