Understanding the Medicines and Their Different Uses
Medicines that affect hormones can play an important role in treating specific medical conditions. However, products that appear similar because they influence hormones may have completely different purposes, ingredients, and safety requirements.
The medicines featured in this article are Cyproteron TAD 50 mg, Finasterid PUREN 5 mg, Bicalutamid TEVA 50 mg, and Drovelis 3 mg/14.2 mg. They include antiandrogen medicines, a medicine used in prostate care, and a combined hormonal contraceptive.
Understanding these prescription medicines can help patients have more informed discussions with their doctors and pharmacists.
1. Cyproteron TAD 50 mg Tablets — Cyproterone Acetate
Product: Cyproteron TAD 50 mg Tabletten 50 Stk. Active ingredient: Cyproterone acetate Country listed: Germany
Cyproterone acetate is an antiandrogen, meaning it reduces the effects of androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone. It also has progestogenic and antigonadotropic effects, which means it can influence hormonal signalling in the body.
Depending on the medical situation, cyproterone acetate may be prescribed for certain advanced prostate cancer treatment plans, to help manage some hormone-related symptoms, or for selected severe androgen-related conditions. Its approved uses and prescribing requirements depend on the product information and the patient’s circumstances.
Cyproterone acetate is not a general-purpose medicine for anyone experiencing hormonal symptoms. A doctor must assess whether it is appropriate.
Important safety considerations: Cyproterone acetate has important precautions involving the liver, blood-clotting events, and the risk of meningioma, a usually benign tumour involving the membranes around the brain. The risk of meningioma is associated particularly with higher cumulative exposure. Doctors may also monitor liver function during treatment. Patients should discuss their medical history and other medicines before starting treatment.
2. Finasterid PUREN 5 mg Film-Coated Tablets — Finasteride
Product: Finasterid PUREN 5 mg Filmtabletten 100 Stk. Active ingredient: Finasteride Country listed: Germany
Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It works by reducing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, commonly known as DHT.
The 5 mg strength is commonly associated with the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. An enlarged prostate can place pressure on the urinary passage and contribute to symptoms such as:
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Difficulty beginning urination
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A weak or interrupted urine stream
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A feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
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Frequent or urgent urination
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Increased urination during the night
By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can help reduce prostate enlargement over time and improve urinary symptoms in appropriate patients. It is not an instant-relief medicine, and improvement may take time.
Important safety considerations: Finasteride is intended for specific medical uses and should be taken only as prescribed. Patients should tell their doctor about existing conditions and other medicines. Finasteride can also affect PSA blood-test results, so patients should inform their healthcare professional that they are taking it before prostate-related testing.
3. Bicalutamid TEVA 50 mg Film-Coated Tablets — Bicalutamide
Product: Bicalutamid TEVA 50 mg Filmtabletten 90 Stk. Active ingredient: Bicalutamide Manufacturer information provided: Bb Farma S.R.L. Country listed: Germany
Bicalutamide is a non-steroidal antiandrogen. It works by blocking the action of androgens at androgen receptors. This makes it different from finasteride, which reduces the production of DHT.
Bicalutamide 50 mg is used in particular prostate cancer treatment settings, often as part of a treatment plan involving other hormonal therapies. The exact role of the medicine depends on the patient’s diagnosis and the treatment strategy selected by the oncology or urology team.
It is important to understand that bicalutamide is not the same as finasteride. Although both can affect androgen-related pathways, they work differently and are prescribed for different medical purposes.
Important safety considerations: Bicalutamide can affect the liver, and healthcare professionals may recommend liver-function monitoring. Patients should report symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent abdominal discomfort to their healthcare professional. It should not be started, stopped, or combined with other hormonal medicines without medical guidance.
4. Drovelis 3 mg/14.2 mg Film-Coated Tablets — Drospirenone and Estetrol
Products listed:
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Drovelis 3 mg/14.2 mg Filmtabletten 6 × 28 Stk.
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Drovelis 3 mg/14.2 mg Filmtabletten 3 × 28 Stk.
Active ingredients: Drospirenone 3 mg and estetrol equivalent to 14.2 mg Country listed: Germany
Drovelis is a combined hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two active hormonal substances:
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Drospirenone: A progestogen that contributes to the contraceptive effect.
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Estetrol: An oestrogen that works with drospirenone to prevent ovulation and support the contraceptive mechanism.
Each 28-tablet pack contains 24 active tablets and 4 inactive tablets. The tablets are taken in sequence according to the prescribed instructions. The European Medicines Agency confirms that Drovelis is a prescription medicine and that its use requires consideration of an individual’s risk factors, particularly those related to blood clots.
Drovelis is not intended to treat every menstrual or hormonal concern. A healthcare professional should assess whether a combined hormonal contraceptive is suitable, taking into account medical history, current medicines, and individual risk factors.
Important safety considerations: Combined hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of blood clots. Drovelis is not suitable for everyone, including people with certain histories of blood clots or particular liver, kidney, or hormone-related conditions. The full prescribing information should be reviewed before use.
Why Prescription Guidance Matters
Although all five product listings involve hormonal medicines, their purposes are not interchangeable:
Cyproterone acetate
Antiandrogen used in selected hormone-related conditions and certain prostate cancer treatment settings.
Finasteride
Reduces DHT production and is commonly used for benign prostate enlargement at the 5 mg strength.
Bicalutamide
Blocks androgen activity and is used in specific prostate cancer treatment plans.
Drovelis
A combined hormonal contraceptive containing drospirenone and estetrol.
The correct medicine depends on the diagnosis, treatment objective, age, medical history, other medicines, and the healthcare professional’s assessment. A product’s availability does not mean it is suitable for every patient.
Apotekan: Sourcing European Healthcare Products
At Apotekan , we help clients explore and source authentic European medications and healthcare products from our European sourcing network.
The products discussed in this article—including Cyproteron TAD 50 mg, Finasterid PUREN 5 mg, Bicalutamid TEVA 50 mg, and Drovelis—are available through Apotekan on prescription, subject to product availability and applicable requirements.
If you are looking for one of these medicines, you can contact us to discuss the product, confirm the required details, and understand the sourcing process.
Important: Apotekan is a sourcing company, not an online pharmacy, and does not manufacture medications. Prescription validity, pharmacy fulfilment, import permissions, customs, and delivery requirements may vary by destination country. Patients should follow the advice of a licensed healthcare professional and comply with local regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these medicines be used interchangeably?
No. They have different active ingredients, mechanisms, and medical purposes. A doctor must determine which medicine, if any, is appropriate.
Are these medicines available without a prescription?
The products discussed here are prescription medicines or are handled under prescription requirements. Patients should not assume that a medicine can be obtained or used without the appropriate prescription and professional guidance.
Can Apotekan help source these medicines?
Yes. Apotekan can help clients explore the listed European products and arrange sourcing on prescription, subject to availability and applicable legal and delivery requirements.
Where can I learn more about these products?
You can visit Apotekan to explore our healthcare sourcing services or contact us about a specific product.
Final Reminder
Prescription medicines should be selected according to a patient’s medical needs—not simply by name, strength, or availability. If you have been prescribed one of these products, use it exactly as directed and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about its benefits, risks, or interactions.