Side Effects

When is enough ... enough? In my case, when the Oncologist says so!

Reviewing my diary over the past couple of weeks, I had noticed that the number of side effects and the impact that they were having was increasing to the point of concern.

And so, a phone call to my Oncologist soon confirmed what I had suspected. The Anandron was not a good option for me!

The past week in particular revealed that the side effects had resulted in:

• Dry mouth
• Increased hot flushes
• Increased fatigue
• Photo-sensitivity, and
• Nausea

The solution ... to immediately stop the Anandron and to commence Androcur (Cyproterone).

Unlike Anandron, Androcur is a steroidal antiandrogen. Cyproterone is available as an oral (by mouth) tablet and as a long-acting injectable. The recommended dose for cyproterone tablets is 200 mg to 300 mg (4 to 6 tablets) daily, divided into 2 to 3 doses and taken after meals. In my case, the recommended dose was 300 mg per day.

Imagine my delight when I read the list of possible side effects associated with Androcur ...

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. 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.


More common:

• impotence
• reduced (or increased) sexual interest
  swelling of the breasts or breast soreness

Less common or rare (0% to 10%)

• changes in walking and balance
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• hair loss
• inability to move legs or arms
• increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• increase in bowel movements and loose stools
• loss of strength or energy
• skin bleeding, blistering, coldness, or discoloration
• 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:


Less common or rare (0% to 10%)

• abdominal pain or tenderness
• back pain
• blisters
• blurred vision
• chest pain
• chills
• clay colored stools
• confusion
• cough
• depression
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fainting or light-headedness when getting up
• fast heartbeat
• hallucinations
• hives
• increase in blood pressure
• increase in hunger and/or thirst
• lower back or side pain
• nausea and vomiting
• painful or difficult urination
• red, thickened or scaly skin
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• sores, ulcers or white spots on lips or in mouth
• sore throat
• stiff neck
• stomach ache
• swollen and painful glands
• tightness in chest
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• vision changes
• wheezing
• yellow eyes or skin

Get immediate medical attention if any of the following side effects occur:


Less common or rare (0% to 10%)

• bloody or black, tarry stools or blood in urine
• 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 this medication.

The 'saving grace' ... in all of this for me ... I was on this medication for 4 weeks at the commencement of my Hormone Therapy, and survived quite well!