Cyproterone is a medication that is used for the treatment and management of symptoms that result from prostate cancer. It is a kind of hormonal therapy. The medication structurally resembles testosterone. Cyproterone is often given to individuals who do not respond successfully to other types of cancer treatment options. As with any medicine, there are possible side effects that could occur due to taking Cyproterone.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects are not usually considered to be worrisome, as they tend to subside once the body adapts to the medicine. However, if the side effects do not go away, or if they intensify, it might be necessary to consult your doctor. These side effects include higher or lower interest in sex; increase in sexual desire, drive, and performance; loss in sexual desire, drive, and performance, inability to achieve or maintain an erection; breast swelling; breast tenderness (for males and females alike) and unexpected milk flowing out of the breasts.
Uncommon Side Effects
There are also some uncommon but possible side effects of Cyproterone. Individuals who experience less common side effects of the medication should notify their doctors as soon as possible. These side effects are skin discoloration; burning, blistering, bleeding, or coldness of the skin; unsteadiness or clumsiness; energy or strength decrease; skin redness; weakness or fatigue; increased growth of hair; gaining weight; extreme sunburn; loose or soft stools; more skin sensitivity to sunlight; increased frequency of bowel movements; not being able to move the arms or the legs, muscle weakness or pain; paralysis on just one side of the body and balance and walking changes.
Rare Side Effects
There are some highly rare side effects of Cyproterone, both severe and minor. For these, it is vital to seek emergency medical assistance in case the side effect is severe. These side effects include higher blood pressure, being hungrier, not being able to speak, feeling lightheaded or faint when standing up or sitting up, irregular breathing, weight loss, abnormal bruising or bleeding, changes in vision, weakness of a leg or an arm on just one side of the body, yellow skin or eyes, wheezing, stomach ache, scaly or red skin, irregular heartbeat, being thirstier, urinating more frequently, sweating, rapid coordination loss, fruity breath, lower appetite, urinating less frequently, chills, blurry vision, chest ache, agitation, abdominal tenderness or pain, tarry, dark stools, bloody urine, skin blisters, confusion, coughing, disorientation, trouble swallowing, neck veins that are dilated, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, lower backache, side ache, dry, flushed skin, fever, itchiness, consciousness loss, shortness of breath, convulsions, slurred communication, skin rash, pain in the groin or legs, chest pains, stiff neck, painful or swollen glands and swelling or puffiness of the eyes.
Caution
It is vital to exercise caution when considering taking Cyproterone. You must inform your doctor of your medical history and any present medical conditions that you might have, especially stroke, blood clots, liver depression, depression, circulation disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiac disease.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions are possible when more than one medicine is taken at the same time. Drug interactions can cause negative side effects, as well as increased or decreased effectiveness of one of more of the medications that are involved. Some medications that can cause interactions with Cyproterone include androgens, estrogen drugs, corticosteroids, psychiatric medications, various antihistamines (like diphenhydramine), narcotic pain reducers, tranquilizers, sedatives, anti-anxiety medicines and diabetes medication.
