Shortness of breath: an uncommon side-effect of cyproterone acetate in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Int J Dermatol. 2002 Dec;41(12):946-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-4362.2002.01581.x.

Abstract

Cyproterone acetate is indicated for treatment of acne, hirsutism, seborrhea, and androgenetic alopecia in females. In general this medication is well tolerated in standard doses. Shortness of breath has been previously reported in men with prostatic carcinoma, receiving high-dose (200 mg/day) treatment with cyproterone acetate. We report a 66-year-old lady taking 50 mg/day of cyproterone acetate for biopsy proven androgenetic alopecia, who developed this unusual complication of shortness of breath. To our knowledge it has not been previously reported in women undergoing treatment for androgenization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alopecia / drug therapy*
  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Cyproterone Acetate / adverse effects*
  • Cyproterone Acetate / therapeutic use*
  • Dyspnea / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Humans

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Cyproterone Acetate