Androcur is an anti-hormonal medication prescribed to men to slow the growth of blood cells. to the prostateand for women, in smaller quantities, to combat excessive hair growth, indicates Vidal. Although its uses are varied, it is particularly prescribed to women suffering fromendometriosis and other hormonal disorders, indicates the High Authority of Health (HAS).
This progestin is at the center of controversy due to its potentially serious side effects, particularly the risk of developing meningiomasbrain tumors, according to the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM). The Association Meningiomas due to Cyproterone Acetate, assistance to victims and consideration of other molecules (Amavea) has filed a complaint against X and calls for the opening of a judicial investigation into the management of the risks linked to this medicine.
[ANDROCUR-acétate de cyprotérone]
A complaint against #meningiomas #Androcur pic.twitter.com/aUcjekjmCh— AMAVEA association of meningiomas victims (@AMAVEA1) November 7, 2024
Androcur: patients demand an investigation into the management of risks and side effects of the drug
On November 5, 2024, the association filed a complaint against X with the Paris Public Prosecutor. She points to a lack of information regarding the risks of meningiomaknown for years to patients and doctors. “We had to wait until January 2011 for the ANSM and the laboratory to finally include the mention of the risk in the instructions, then 2019 (i.e. more than eight additional years) for the Health Authority to put in place a risk management plan which included, among other things, the dissemination of targeted information to patients taking Androcur”, explains the association in a press release, shared on X (formerly Twitter). Amavea specifies that individual complaints from victims of this drug will soon complete their position.
Through this legal action, the victims hope to clarify the responsibilities of the actors responsible for the security of Androcur, “Health agencies, laboratories, doctors – have failed in the management of the side effects of this drug and Amavea, representative of thousands of victims, wants an investigation to be carried out to determine the negligence committed and establish the responsibility of the actors involved”, they clarify in the press release.
Androcur: what are the risks associated with this medication?
On the Vidal website, we can read that “This medicine contains a progesterone derivative. It has an antihormonal action: it opposes the action of androgenic hormones, mainly testosterone”. As the health products reference site specifies, this treatment can have severe side effects, including liver problems and a risk of developing a meningioma. Thromboembolic accidents have also been reported, according to Vidal. Therefore, strict medical monitoring is necessary to monitor the patient’s health throughout treatment.
What is meningioma, this side effect of Androcur?
A meningioma is a tumor originating from the meninges, the protective coverings of the central nervous system: brain, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord. As Health Insurance points out, this tumor is benign in 90% of cases. “Although 76% of people affected by meningioma are over the age of 50, young adults can also be affected. It particularly affects women (69% of cases), predominance which diminishes after the menopause”, it is specified.
Although the cause is not always known to health professionals, certain factors are suspected of promoting its growth, such as the presence of certain genes, pregnancy, hormonal factors and certain hormonal treatments with progestins, explains Health Insurance. “In recent years, several epidemiological studies have shown that taking certain progestins is associated with an increased risk of meningioma.”, reported Dr Odile Bagot to Current Woman last March. “A link has also been established with two other drugs in this family: nomegestrol acetate (Lutényl ® and generics) and chlormadinone acetate (Lutéran® and generics). As meningiomas are tumors with receptors sensitive to progesterone, they will tend to grow under the influence of progestins and regress when treatment is stopped..
As a reminder, in a document published in December 2023, the ANSM had completed its recommendations regarding progestins and the risks of meningioma.
— ANSM (@ansm) December 19, 2023
Sources :
- Questionnaire for collecting the point of view of patients and users for the evaluation of a medicine – Haute Autorité de Santé
- Definition and causes of a meningioma – Health Insurance website – July 1, 2024
- Progestins and risk of meningioma: recommendations to limit this risk – ANSM – December 18, 2024
- Androcur and risk of meningioma – ANSM – December 1, 2022
- ANDROCUR drug range – Vidal – August 27, 2021
- Androcur: a complaint filed by victims of the drug for endangering others and aggravated deception – Le Monde – November 7, 2024
