Drug Formulary information is intended for use by healthcare professionals. It is not intended to be medical advice. Some of the information, including information about funding for cancer drugs, does not apply to all patients. Cancer treatment plans are unique to each patient. If you are a patient, please speak with your healthcare team to understand how this information applies to you.

drug-infosheet

cyproterone

Other Names
Generic brand(s) available, Androcur®, Androcur Depot®
Appearance
Tablets- white to faintly yellow; Injectable- liquid for injection
Medication Information Sheet
cyproterone tablets and injectable (sigh-PRO-ter-own)
This document provides general information about your medication. It does not replace the advice of your health care professional. Always discuss your therapy with your health care professional and refer to the package insert for more details.

Other Name: Generic brand(s) available, Androcur®, Androcur Depot®

Appearance:
Tablets- white to faintly yellow; Injectable- liquid for injection

What is this medication for?
  • For treating prostate cancer.
What should I do before I have this medication?
  • Tell  your doctor and pharmacist if you have / had significant medical condition(s), especially if you have / had liver diseases, liver tumours, Dubin-Johnson or Rotor syndrome, benign brain tumours, depression, clotting disorders or risk factors for clotting disorders, or have any allergies.
  • The tablets contain a small amount of lactose. If you cannot tolerate lactose, talk to your doctor.
  • People who have cancer  are at a higher risk of developing other cancers or blood clots. Also, some cancer medications, such as cyproterone, may increase these risks. You should discuss these with your doctor.
How is this medication given?

            Tablets:

    • Take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Make sure you understand the instructions.
    • Swallow whole with a glass of water with food.
    • If you miss a dose, take your next dose as scheduled. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten dose.

    Injectable:

    • Given by injection into the muscle.
What else do I need to know while on this medication?

  • Do not eat or drink grapefruit, starfruit, Seville oranges or their juices (or products that contain these) while on this treatment. They may increase side effects.

  • This medication can interact with other medications and can result in the treatment not working as well or cause severe side effects.

  • Make sure your health care team knows about all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbals and supplements). Check with your health care team before starting or stopping any of them.

How should I safely store this medication?

Tablets:

  • Store in the original packaging at room temperature, away from heat, light or moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Do not throw out any unused drugs at home. Bring them to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
What are the side effects of this medication?
The following side effects are common or severe. You may not have all of the side effects. Other side effects may occur. If you have any unusual or bothersome symptoms, discuss with your doctor.

Side effects and what to do When to contact doctor?
More Common Side Effects

Symptoms of having low testosterone levels

  • Impotence
  • Breast swelling or tenderness
  • Decrease in sexual desire
  • Bladder infections
  • Mood changes (less common), e.g., depression
  • Weight changes
  • Hair loss, or increased hair growth
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Tiredness

  • Rest often; take naps if needed. Move slowly when getting up.
  • Eat well-balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids. Light exercise may help.
  • Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery when feeling tired.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Increased sweating, feelings of warmth
(hot flashes)

  • Avoid triggers such as alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee, cola), chocolate, hot & spicy food, stress and heat.
  • Exercise regularly. Keep cool; dress lightly, drink plenty of water. May improve over time.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Side effects and what to do When to contact doctor?
Less Common Side Effects, but may be Severe

Stroke
(sudden loss of vision, speech, of the use of your limb(s))

Heart attack
(chest pain, shortness of breath)

 Get emergency medical help right away

Constipation

  • Eat a balanced diet with fibres such whole grains, fruit and raw vegetables.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Try light exercise regularly.
  • Speak to your doctor if no bowel movement for 3 or more days.
  • Also see Constipation Pamphlet.*
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Diarrhea

  • May occur days to weeks after the drug is given / after treatment starts
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids. Limit hot, spicy, fried foods, foods/drinks with caffeine, orange or prune juice. 
  • Try a low-fiber BRAT diet (Bananas, white Rice, Apple sauce, Toast made with white bread).
  • Take anti-diarrhea drug(s) if given to you by your doctor.
  • Also see Diarrhea pamphlet.*
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Mild swelling in arms and legs; puffiness

  • Keep your feet up when sitting. Eat a low-salt diet.
  • Avoid tight fitting clothing.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

High blood sugar 

  • Check your own blood sugar if you are diabetic.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Liver problems
(yellow skin or eyes, dark urine)

 Get emergency medical help right away

Low blood pressure; dizziness

  • Try to get up and move slowly.
  • Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery if dizzy.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Unusual bleeding or bruising
(may be due to low platelets) (black stools, coughing up blood, purple or red dots on skin, bleeding that will not stop)

  • Use acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for fever, mild headache, aches or pains. Talk to your doctor before using ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®) or aspirin, since these may increase bleeding risk. If taking aspirin regularly, talk to your doctor before you stop taking it.
  • Use a soft toothbrush. Be careful not to cut or bruise yourself.
  • Check with your doctor before getting any surgeries or dental work.
  • Also see Low Platelets pamphlet.*
 Get emergency medical help right away

Lung problems
(increased cough, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood)

 Get emergency medical help right away

Rash; dry, itchy skin

  • Stay out of the sun; wear sunblock, a hat and cover exposed skin.
  • Use daily moisturizer.
 Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe
Blood clot (limb pain or swelling, hardened vein in limb), may occur in lungs (sudden start of coughing, breathing problems, chest pain, coughing blood) Get emergency medical help right away

For more links on how to manage your symptoms go to www.cancercareontario.ca/symptoms.

The information set out in the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets, and symptom management information (for patients) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended to be used by health professionals and patients for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or side effects of a certain drug, nor should it be used to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition.

A patient should always consult a healthcare provider if he/she has any questions regarding the information set out in the Formulary. The information in the Formulary is not intended to act as or replace medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.

Last Updated: July 21, 2026

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