Dog - Osaterone Acetate

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Osaterone acetate is used in male dogs for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. This means an increase in size of the prostate gland and this increase in size is not due to cancer.

How does this medicine work?

Osaterone acetate is a hormone that is chemically related to progesterone and therefore it has anti-androgen and progestagen activity. In male dogs, it blocks the transport of the male hormone testosterone into the prostate, and competitively inhibits fixation of androgens to their receptors (preventing them from having an effect), blocking also the production of cellular material that leads to increase in prostatic volume thereby helping the prostate to shrink back to normal size.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• This medicine is given for 7 days and the effects are seen within about 2 weeks. Your veterinary surgeon may want to re-examine your dog after 5 months and treatment may be repeated.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication. Women of child-bearing age should avoid contact with this medication or wear disposable gloves when handling the tablets. If a person accidentally ingests this medicine, seek immediate medical advice and show the package leaflet or label to the doctor.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• Do not give this medication for longer than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature and away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places.

Potential side effects

• Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. Your veterinary surgeon may need to take blood tests to monitor your dog’s liver function
• Potential side effects of osaterone acetate are temporary increase in appetite and changes in behaviour (increased or decreased activity levels and more sociable behaviour). Other signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and urination. Rarely feminisation syndrome with mammary hyperplasia may be seen. Notify your veterinary surgeon if side effects appear and remain troublesome.
• Other side effects may occur, if you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.