Abiraterone Acetate

This page provides brief information on abiraterone acetate, covering its prescribed use, recommended dosage and administration, mechanism of action, associated brands and their strengths, precautionary warnings, and typical side effects.

Context and Approval Date

Abiraterone acetate, in combination with prednisone, received approval from the U.S. FDA on April 28, 2011, for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have undergone prior chemotherapy containing docetaxel.

Mechanism of Action of Abiraterone Acetate

Excessive production of male hormones (androgens and testosterone) is the primary cause of prostate cancer. The testicles, adrenal glands, and metastatic tumors all produce androgens. Abiraterone acetate works by blocking the enzyme CYP17A1, which helps make androgens. Inhibition of this enzyme reduces the amount of estrogen produced in the body.

All Substitutes

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Product Packaging Size Manufacturer Price
Abirapro 250mg tablet 120 tablets Glenmark Pharmaceuticals INR 6300
Mytera 250mg tablet 120 tablets Mylan Pharmaceuticals INR 6300
Bdron 250mg tablet 120 tablets BDR Pharmaceuticals INR 6200
Xbira 250mg tablet 120 tablets CIPLA Ltd INR 10800
Zelgor 250mg tablet 120 tablets Sun Pharma INR 11000
Abiratred 500mg tablet 60 tablets Dr REDDY’S LABORATORIES LTD INR 7960

Uses of Abiraterone Acetate

Abiraterone acetate is used to treat prostate cancer.

Abiraterone Acetate administration guidelines and available dosage options

It is important to take this medication exactly as your doctor has instructed. Abiraterone acetate is taken orally, with the recommended dosage being 1000mg (two tablets) once daily. It should be taken without food and swallowed whole, without breaking the tablets.

Information about abiraterone acetate

Abiraterone Acetate uses

. Prostate cancer

How abiraterone acetate works

Abiraterone acetate is an anticancer drug that operates by blocking the production of androgens (male hormones) in men. It achieves this by inhibiting the enzyme CYP17, which is crucial for  production. This mechanism effectively retards androgenthe progression of prostate cancer.

Common side effects of abiraterone acetate

Decreased potassium level in the blood, High blood pressure, Urinary tract infection, Diarrhea, Increased triglyceride level in the blood, Sepsis, Cardiac failure, Angina pectoris, Atrial fibrillation, Tachycardia, Dyspepsia, Blood in urine, Peripheral edema, Fracture.
1. Abiraterone Acetate treats prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
2. It is usually taken with another medicine called prednisolone to reduce unwanted side effects.
3. It must be taken on an empty stomach. Don't eat any food for at least.
2 hours before or 1 hour after your dose. 4. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet before swallowing. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
5. Always use effective birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
6. Your doctor may regularly monitor your liver function, blood pressure, and the level of potassium in your blood while you are receiving treatment with this medicine.

Warning, Precautions, and Side Effects Associated with Abiraterone Acetate

Warning

Abiraterone acetate creates risks during pregnancy and may harm the unborn baby; hence, it should be avoided. It is essential not to take this medication with food. If you have lactose intolerance, it is important to notify your doctor before starting treatment, as the medication contains lactose. Additionally, inform your doctor if you are following a salt control diet, as the medication includes sodium.

Precautions

Notify your doctor of any existing conditions, such as liver disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, low blood potassium levels, and elevated sugar levels. Use effective contraception during Abiraterone acetate treatment. Prior to initiating the medication, disclose all other medications you are currently taking to your doctor.

Side effects

Abiraterone acetate may cause common side effects such as bone fracture, indigestion, blood in urine, rash, diarrhea, elevated fat levels in the blood, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, urinary tract infection, fluid retention in the legs or feet, high blood pressure, and serious low blood potassium levels in the body.

Word of advice

Abiraterone acetate should be taken once daily on an empty stomach. It is recommended to take this medication at least two hours after eating, and after consumption, food should be delayed for at least one hour.

FAQ - Abiraterone Acetate

1Can abiraterone acetate provide a cure for prostate cancer?
Abiraterone acetate does not offer a cure for prostate cancer. However, it can contribute to improving and extending the patient's life.
2What are the side effects of abiraterone acetate?
Some commonly observed side effects of abiraterone acetate include an irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, urinary tract infection, fluid retention in the legs or feet, high blood pressure, bone fracture, indigestion, blood in urine, rash, diarrhea, elevated fat levels in the blood, chest pain, and serious low blood potassium levels in the body.
3What should I do if I forget to take my daily dose of abiraterone acetate?
If you skip a dose of abiraterone acetate, take the prescribed dose the next day. If you have missed more than one dose, consult your doctor.
4What is the recommended method for taking abiraterone acetate?
Abiraterone acetate should be taken orally, swallowed whole, and should not be broken.
5Is abiraterone considered safe during pregnancy?
Women shouldn't take abiraterone acetate during pregnancy because it might harm the unborn child. Men using abiraterone acetate should follow effective contraceptive measures.

References

1. Janssen- Cilag International NV, Electronics Medicine Compendium (emc), [Revised date: SEP 2021] [ Accessed date: 26 MAY 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/
emc/files/pil.2381.pdf

2. Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc, US Food and drug administration, [ Revised date: APR 2011] [ Accessed date: 26 MAY 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatf
da_docs/label/2011/202379lbl.pdf

3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Natural products in cancer chemotherapy: hormones and related agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1707 - 1709.