Description

Cyproterone is a steroid compound with potent antiandrogenic, progestogenic and antigonadotrophic activity. It exerts its antiandrogenic effect by blocking androgen receptors. It also reduces androgen synthesis by a negative feedback effect on the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian systems. The estrogen component (Ethinylestradiol) increases levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and thus reduces the free circulating plasma levels of androgens. Cyproterone has no tendency to reduce SHBG levels. If used alone in women,Cyproterone leads to menstrual cycle disturbances which are avoided when combined with Ethinylestradiol. When this tablet is administered in a cyclic manner, it has the added effect of preventing ovulation and possible conception. The components of this tablet are rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Due to the long terminal half-life of Cyproterone, a 4-fold increase in plasma levels occurs after 6 to 12 days of daily dosing. Long-term therapy (36 months) with this product did not have a significant influence on lipid metabolism. A trend to increase plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels was observed. There was a slight decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) with a simultaneous increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL).

Thrombophlebitis, thromboembolic disorders, or a history of these conditions Cerebrovascular disorders Myocardial infarction or coronary artery diseases Active liver disease or hepatic adenomas or carcinomas History of cholestatic jaundice Known or suspected carcinoma of the breast Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding Any ocular lesion arising from ophthalmic vascular disease, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields When pregnancy is suspected or diagnosed Previous or existing liver tumors Severe diabetes with vascular changes A history of otosclerosis with deterioration during pregnancy.

Common side effects are Bleeding, Dizziness, Depression, Weight gain, Headache, Edema, Breast pain, Lactation, Blood clot, Gallstones. .

Fetal abnormalities have been reported to occur in the offspring of women who have taken estrogen/progestogen combinations in early pregnancy. Rule out pregnancy as soon as it is suspected. The use of estrogen/progestogen combinations during the period a mother is breast-feeding her infant may not be advisable. The hormonal components are excreted in breast milk and may reduce its quantity and quality. The long-term effects on the developing child are not known. This drug may cause fluid retention, conditions such as epilepsy.

Predisposing Factors for Coronary Artery Diseases: In women with predisposing factors for coronary artery disease (such as cigarette smoking, hypertension; hypercholesterolemia, obesity, diabetes and increasing age), the use of estrogen or progestogen combinations have been reported as an additional risk factor. After the age of 35 years, estrogen or progestogen combinations should be considered only in exceptional circumstances and when the risk/benefit ratio has been carefully weighed by both the patient and the physician. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels from the use of this class of medication. This risk increases with age and heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is more marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use such medication should not smoke. Estrogen/progestogen combinations may cause an increase in plasma lipoproteins and should be administered with caution to women known to have pre-existent hyperlipoproteinemia. Lipid profiles should be determined regularly in these patients. The combination of obesity, hypertension and diabetes is particularly hazardous to women who are taking this class of medication. To avoid this triad of conditions develop, the patient should be placed on an alternate form of therapy. Discontinue medication at the earliest manifestation of: Thromboembolic and cardiovascular disorders such as: thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular disorders, myocardial ischemia, mesenteric thrombosis and retinal thrombosis. The use of estrogen/progestogen-combination products should be avoided in conditions which predispose to venous stasis and to vascular thrombosis, e.g. immobilization after accidents or confinement to bed during long-term illness. Under such conditions other nonhormonal methods of treatment should be considered. For use when surgery is contemplated, see Precautions. Visual defects, partial or complete. Papilledema, or ophthalmic vascular lesions. Severe headache of unknown etiology, or worsening of pre-existing migraine headache. Onset of jaundice or hepatitis. Itching of the whole body. Hypertension: Patients with essential hypertension whose blood pressure is wellcontrolled may be given the drug but only under close supervision. If a significant elevation of blood pressure in previously normotensive or hypertensive subjects occurs at any time during the administration of the drug, cessation of medication is necessary. Migraine and Headache: The onset or exacerbation of migraine or the development of headache of a new pattern which is recurrent persistent or severe, requires discontinuation of medication and evaluation of the cause. Diabetes: Diabetic patients, or those with a family history of diabetes, should be observed closely to detect any alterations in carbohydrate metabolism. Patients predisposed to diabetes who can be kept under close supervision may be given estrogen/progestogen combinations under strict medical supervision. Young diabetic patients whose disease is of recent origin, well-controlled, and not associated with hypertension or other signs of vascular disease such as ocular fundal changes should be closely observed.

Symptoms and Treatment:There have been no reports of overdose with this tablet. There are no specific antidotes and treatment should be symptomatic, based on the knowledge of the pharmacological action of the constituents.

Oral Contraceptive preparations, Oral Hormonal preparations for Acne