Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Androcur (Cyproterone). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Androcur (Cyproterone) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Androcur (Cyproterone). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• changes in walking and balance (clumsiness or unsteadiness)
• hair loss
• impotence
• inability to move legs or arms
• increase in bowel movements and loose stools
• increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• loss of strength or energy
• reduced (or increased) sexual interest
• skin bleeding, blistering, coldness, or discoloration
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness
• unusual increase in hair growth
• weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• bloody or black, tarry stools or blood in urine
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• irregular breathing
• pains in chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of legs
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• seizures
• sudden and severe weakness in arm and/or leg on one side of the body
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden slurred speech
• temporary blindness

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Androcur (Cyproterone).

Each white to faintly yellowish, round, flat-sided, bevelled-edged tablet, imprinted one side "BV" in a regular hexagon, other side scored, contains Androcur (Cyproterone) acetate 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silicica, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, and povidone 25.

Do not take Androcur (Cyproterone) if you:

• are allergic or sensitive to Androcur (Cyproterone) or any ingredients of Androcur (Cyproterone)
• have active liver disease or reduced liver function
• have reduced kidney function

There may be an interaction between Androcur (Cyproterone) and any of the following:

• ethinyl Estradiol
• testosterone and androgens

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Androcur (Cyproterone). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, decongestants, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Androcur (Cyproterone).

Alcohol: The effectiveness of Androcur (Cyproterone) may be reduced if you consume alcohol. You should limit the amount of alcohol you drink when taking Androcur (Cyproterone).

Depression: Androcur (Cyproterone) use has occasionally been associated with an increased incidence of depressive mood changes, especially with start of therapy. You should notify your doctor if you've had depression in the past.

Diabetes: Androcur (Cyproterone) may cause blood glucose levels to increase if you have diabetes mellitus.

Heart disease: Androcur (Cyproterone) can cause fluid to accumulate in the body. If you have heart disease, be cautious when using Androcur (Cyproterone) because your heart may have to work harder.

Liver disease: Androcur (Cyproterone) can cause damage to the liver. It usually develops after several months of treatment. Your doctor will monitor your liver function with blood tests if there are any symptoms or signs of liver damage.

Pregnancy: Androcur (Cyproterone) is not for use by women.

Breast-feeding: Androcur (Cyproterone) is not for use by women.

Children: Androcur (Cyproterone) is not recommended for use in children.