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Brand name: Cyproterone Acetate (Apo) TM

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Active ingredients: cyproterone

What it is used for

WOMEN: Moderately severe to severe signs of androgenisation. Moderately severe/severe forms of hirsutism; moderately severe/severe androgen dependent loss of scalp hair (moderately severe/severe androgenic alopecia); moderately severe/severe forms of acne and/or seborrhoea associated with other features of androgenisation. APO-CYPROTERONE ACETATE 50mg inhibits the influence of male sex hormones which are also produced by the female. It is thus possible to treat diseases in women caused by either increased production of androgens or a particular sensitivity to these hormones. Hirsutism and alopecia may be expected to recur over a period of time after cessation of treatment. If APO-CYPROTERONE ACETATE 50mg is taken during pregnancy, the properties of the preparation may lead to signs of feminisation in the male foetus. Therefore, in women of child bearing potential, pregnancy must be excluded at the commencement of treatment and ethinyloestradiol taken as well to ensure contraception. This also promotes regular menstruation. MEN: Reduction of drive in sexual deviations. APO-CYPROTERONE ACETATE 50mg reduces the force of the sexual urge in men with sexual deviations. Whilst under treatment the man can control himself better in a predisposing stimulatory situation, but there is no influence on any deviating direction of sexual drive. Abnormal patterns of sexual behaviour require treatment when they are distressing to the patient. A prerequisite for therapy is the desire by the patient for treatment. APO-CYPROTERONE ACETATE 50mg should be supplemented by psychotherapeutic and sociotherapeutic measures in order to exploit the period of reduced drive for personal and social reorientation. Inoperable prostatic carcinoma. To suppress flare with initial luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue therapy; in long-term palliative treatment where LHRH analogues or surgery are ineffective, not tolerated, contraindicated or where oral therapy is preferred; in the treatment of hot flushes in patients treated with LHRH analogues or who have had orchidectomy.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

  • Store below 30 degrees Celsius
  • Protect from Moisture
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

White to off white, flat, round tablet with '50' engraved over a break line on one face, the other a plain face.

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Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient cyproterone

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

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