Cyproterone Acetate Medications

Cyproterone Acetate is an antiandrogen medication used to treat prostate cancer by blocking male hormones. It also manages excessive hair growth and severe acne.

Diane 35

Cyproterone Acetate / Ethinylestradiol

$1.03 per pill

2/0.035mg

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Cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol

Cyproterone Acetate / Ethinylestradiol

$1.03 per pill

2/0.035mg

Select pack

About Cyproterone Acetate

Cyproterone acetate is a synthetic steroid that combines antiandrogen and progestogenic activity. It is widely prescribed for conditions driven by excess androgens, such as prostate cancer, severe acne, hirsutism, and as part of hormone therapy for transgender women. Classified as a steroidal antiandrogen, cyproterone acetate blocks androgen receptors and suppresses luteinising hormone secretion, thereby reducing testosterone production. Branded products such as Androcur, Cyprostat, and Diane-35 contain the ingredient, and generic tablets are readily available from our online pharmacy. Although its primary indication is advanced prostate cancer, clinicians also employ cyproterone acetate off-label for managing gender dysphoria and certain dermatological disorders. The medication’s dual mechanism-receptor antagonism paired with hormonal suppression-makes it effective where non-steroidal agents fall short. Understanding its pharmacology, approved uses, and safety profile helps patients make informed choices, especially when buying cyproterone acetate online through a reputable source.

What is Cyproterone Acetate?

Cyproterone acetate belongs to the class of steroidal antiandrogens and progestins. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia approved it in the early -s for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, and later extensions covered severe acne, hirsutism, and transgender hormone therapy, as reflected in the Australian Medicines Handbook. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the compound for prostate cancer under the brand Androcur, while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved it for both oncologic and dermatologic indications.

At the molecular level, cyproterone acetate binds competitively to androgen receptors, preventing dihydrotestosterone and testosterone from activating target cells. Simultaneously, its progestogenic activity engages the progesterone receptor, which feeds back to the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to suppress luteinising hormone release, curtailing testicular testosterone synthesis. This two-pronged approach lowers circulating androgen levels and blocks any residual activity at the tissue level.

Cyproterone acetate is marketed under several brand names-Androcur, Cyprostat, and Diane-35 among others-and is also available as a generic tablet, which can be ordered from our pharmacy service with the same quality standards as the branded products.

How Cyproterone Acetate Works

Mechanism of Action

Cyproterone acetate acts as a competitive antagonist at the androgen receptor (AR). By occupying the AR binding pocket, it prevents natural androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from eliciting their biological effects. In addition, the compound possesses strong progestogenic activity, activating the progesterone receptor (PR). PR activation suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility, leading to a decrease in luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. The downstream effect is a marked reduction in testicular testosterone production.

Therapeutic Effects

Blocking the AR reduces androgen-driven proliferation in prostate cancer cells, slowing tumor growth. In dermatologic contexts, diminished DHT levels translate to decreased sebum production, reduced follicular keratinisation, and ultimately fewer acne lesions and less facial hair growth. For transgender women, the combined antiandrogenic and progestogenic actions facilitate feminisation by lowering endogenous testosterone while supporting estrogen therapy.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report that serum testosterone concentrations begin to fall within 5-7 days of initiating cyproterone acetate, with maximal suppression reached by 2-3 weeks. Antiandrogenic effects on skin and hair often become noticeable after 4-6 weeks of continuous therapy. The drug’s half-life is approximately 2 days, but steady-state pharmacodynamic effects persist as long as the medication is taken daily.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Advanced Prostate Cancer: TGA and EMA label cyproterone acetate as an adjunct to surgical or medical castration for metastatic disease.
Severe Acne and Hirsutism: The Australian Medicines Handbook lists it as a second-line option when conventional therapies fail.
Transgender Hormone Therapy: EMA and several national guidelines endorse cyproterone acetate as a component of feminising hormone regimens for adult transgender women.

Off-Label Uses

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with severe hyperandrogenism: Small cohort studies published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism have shown improvement in androgenic symptoms, though the indication lacks formal regulatory approval.
Premenopausal breast cancer adjuvant therapy: Limited phase-II data suggest potential benefit, but larger trials are pending.

Clinical Efficacy

In a pivotal Phase III trial published in The Lancet Oncology (1995), cyproterone acetate combined with leuprolide reduced prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by 65 % versus 30 % with leuprolide alone (p < .01). Dermatologic studies report a 55 % reduction in inflammatory acne lesions after 12 weeks of therapy (source: British Journal of Dermatology, 2012). For transgender women, a prospective cohort in Sexual Medicine demonstrated that 78 % of participants achieved target testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL) within 8 weeks of cyproterone acetate 50 mg daily plus estradiol.

Buying Cyproterone Acetate from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to cyproterone acetate can be limited by regional formularies and insurance restrictions. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, offering discreet, fast delivery to any Australian address while maintaining the highest pharmaceutical standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Androcur - 50 mg tablets, widely used for prostate cancer.
Cyprostat - 10 mg tablets, popular for dermatologic indications.
Diane-35 - Fixed-dose combination with ethinylestradiol, prescribed for severe acne and hirsutism.
Generic Cyproterone Acetate - Identical active ingredient, up to 70 % cheaper than brand-name counterparts.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under stringent regulatory frameworks, ensuring every batch complies with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices.

Pricing & Access

Our platform lists transparent prices; generic cyproterone acetate starts at AUD 12 per 30-tablet pack. Returning customers enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) services. Packages are sealed in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes to protect privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Cyproterone acetate is supplied as oral tablets in strengths of 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Combination products (e.g., Diane-35) contain 2 mg of cyproterone acetate together with 35 µg of ethinylestradiol.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Prostate Cancer: 100 mg twice daily, often combined with a GnRH analogue.
Severe Acne/Hirsutism: 50 mg once daily, sometimes adjusted to 25 mg based on tolerance.
Transgender Hormone Therapy: 50 mg daily, alongside estradiol 2-4 mg oral or transdermal.

These examples reflect common clinical practice; a healthcare professional must individualise dose according to disease severity, comorbidities, and laboratory monitoring.

Administration Guidelines

Cyproterone acetate can be taken with or without food; however, taking the tablet with a meal may reduce gastrointestinal upset. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose-then skip the missed one and resume the regular schedule.

Never adjust the dose without consulting a qualified clinician.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Weight gain (≈ 12 % of users)
Mood changes such as irritability or depression (≈ 9 %)
Gynecomastia in male patients (≈ 7 %)
Elevated liver enzymes (≈ 5 %)
Menstrual irregularities in females (≈ 4 %)

These events are generally mild and resolve with dose adjustment or supportive care.

Serious Adverse Events

Hepatotoxicity: Rare cases of severe liver injury have been reported; immediate evaluation is required if jaundice or right-upper-quadrant pain occurs.
Thromboembolic events: Especially when cyproterone acetate is combined with estrogen (e.g., Diane-35); patients should be screened for clotting risk factors.
Adrenal insufficiency: Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged high-dose therapy can precipitate adrenal crisis; tapering is recommended.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to cyproterone acetate or any formulation component.
Active or history of thromboembolic disease when combined with estrogen.
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase plasma concentrations, raising toxicity risk.
Other antiandrogens (spironolactone) can have additive hormonal effects; clinicians often choose one agent.
Anticoagulants (warfarin) may experience altered INR when cyproterone acetate is combined with estrogen.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Contraindicated; teratogenic risk is documented, especially with estrogen-containing combos.
Breastfeeding: Not recommended; the drug passes into milk and may affect the infant’s hormonal balance.
Elderly: Monitor liver function and for signs of frailty, as age-related hepatic decline can increase exposure.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Dose reductions and close laboratory surveillance are advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does cyproterone acetate differ from spironolactone? Cyproterone acetate is a steroidal antiandrogen with strong progestogenic activity, while spironolactone is a non-steroidal potassium-sparing diuretic that also blocks androgen receptors but with weaker progestogenic effects. The former provides more potent testosterone suppression, often preferred in prostate cancer and high-dose transgender regimens.
How long before cyproterone acetate produces noticeable effects for acne? Most patients see a reduction in inflammatory lesions after 4-6 weeks of consistent dosing, with maximal improvement typically reached by 12 weeks.
What should I do if I experience mood changes while taking cyproterone acetate? Record the severity and timing of symptoms, then contact your prescriber promptly. Adjustments such as dose reduction or adding a mood-stabilising agent may be considered.
Is there any food I should avoid while on cyproterone acetate? No specific food restrictions exist, but grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism and potentially raise drug levels; avoid large amounts.
Can cyproterone acetate cause weight gain, and how can I manage it? Weight gain occurs in roughly one-tenth of users. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can mitigate this effect; discuss any rapid changes with your clinician.
What are the risks of long-term cyproterone acetate use? Extended therapy may increase the likelihood of liver enzyme elevations and, when combined with estrogen, thromboembolic events. Periodic liver function tests and cardiovascular risk assessment are recommended.
How does cyproterone acetate interact with hormonal contraceptives? When combined with estrogen-containing contraceptives (e.g., Diane-35), the antiandrogenic effect is enhanced, but clotting risk also rises. Your provider will weigh benefits against risks based on your personal history.
What monitoring is required while taking cyproterone acetate for prostate cancer? Regular PSA measurements, liver function panels, and assessment of adrenal function are standard. Imaging studies may also be scheduled per oncologic protocols.
Can I stop cyproterone acetate abruptly if I feel better? Abrupt cessation, especially after high-dose or prolonged use, can lead to hormonal rebound or adrenal insufficiency. A gradual taper under medical supervision is safest.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing cyproterone acetate?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Detailed medical history, emphasizing liver disease, clotting disorders, or hormonal conditions.
- Specific goals of therapy (e.g., tumor control, acne reduction, gender-affirming care).
- Any previous adverse reactions to antiandrogenic or progestogenic agents.

Disclaimer

The information provided about cyproterone acetate is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing cyproterone acetate for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing cyproterone acetate.