Abiraterone Acetate
About Abiraterone Acetate
Abiraterone Acetate is an anti-androgen medicine used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (a condition where cancer does not get controlled with hormonal therapy) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (a condition where cancer has spread to other parts of the body but can be controlled) in men. Prostate cancer is a condition that occurs when the prostate gland cells increase abnormally. Symptoms may include difficulty in urinating, pain, numbness, etc.
Abiraterone Acetate contains Abiraterone acetate, which belongs to the class of androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. Testosterone is a natural hormone produced by the body. This causes an increase in cancer cells in the prostate gland. Abiraterone Acetate works by inhibiting the production of the testosterone hormone and thus stops the growth and spread of cancer.
Abiraterone Acetate may cause certain side effects such as nausea, dizziness, heartburn, headache, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, joint pain, confusion, hot flushes, loss of appetite and groin pain. These side effects usually disappear without any medical attention. However, if these side effects persist, inform your doctor. Take this medicine as advised by your doctor. It should be taken on an empty stomach at least 2 hours before or after meals. Your doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on the severity of your disease.
Abiraterone Acetate should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing or a history of liver/kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, hypokalemia, hypoglycaemia, fluid retention before taking Abiraterone Acetate. Abiraterone Acetate is not recommended for use in women and children as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established. Inform your doctor of all your ongoing medications to avoid interactions. This medicine is used in combination with prednisolone for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Uses of Abiraterone Acetate
Medicinal Benefits
Abiraterone Acetate contains Abiraterone acetate, which belongs to the class of androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. Testosterone is a natural hormone produced by the body. This causes increase of cancer cells in prostate gland. Abiraterone Acetate works by inhibiting the production of the testosterone hormone and thus stops the growth and spread of cancer. Abiraterone Acetate is used in combination with prednisolone for the treatment of prostate cancer. It is mainly intended for use in men only.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Abiraterone Acetate
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle Weakness
- Joint Pain
- Confusion
- Hot Flushes
- Loss of Appetite
- Groin Pain
Drug Warnings
Abiraterone Acetate should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Inform your doctor if you have/had any conditions like liver/kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, hypokalemia, hypoglycaemia, fluid retention or taking any other medicines before taking Abiraterone Acetate as it may cause serious side effects. Abiraterone Acetate is not recommended for use in women and children as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established. This medicine is used in combination with prednisolone for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Abiraterone Acetate may interact with CYP3A4 Inducers (phenytoin, phenobarbital), CYP2D6 Substrates (Flecainide, Venlafaxine), antifungal medicine (ketoconazole, itraconazole), and many other medicines.
Drug-food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Abiraterone Acetate should be used with caution in patients with severe liver and kidney failure, adrenal or pituitary gland problems, heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, adrenocortical insufficiency, and hypoglycemia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of Abiraterone Acetate with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy
not applicableNot intended for women.
Breast Feeding
not applicableNot intended for women.
Driving
cautionAbiraterone Acetate may decrease alertness or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Abiraterone Acetate until your vision improves.
Liver
cautionAbiraterone Acetate should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionAbiraterone Acetate should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAbiraterone Acetate is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to take vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, spinach and kale. This food slows the growth of prostate cancer and even reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
- It is advised to consume fewer dairy products as these foods may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss and gives strength.
- Maintain a healthy weight by doing regular simple exercises and yoga.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- Avoid including red meat high amounts of meat in your diet. When meat is cooked, it may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Special Advise
- Abiraterone Acetate is not recommended for use in patients suffering from severe hepatotoxicity.
- This medicine may cause laboratory abnormalities like elevated alkaline phosphatase, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, and hypokalemia.
- It is also advised to perform frequent checkups on your potassium, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Prostate cancer: The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland present under the bladder which is responsible for the production of seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is a carcinogenic condition that occurs when the cells of the prostate gland increase out of control. The main cause of this condition is unknown. However, a few underlying reasons that increase the risk for this condition include age, family history, ethnic group, genetic factors, obesity, etc.
FAQs
Abiraterone Acetate is used to treat Prostate Cancer.
Abiraterone Acetate contains Abiraterone acetate, which belongs to the class of androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the production of the testosterone hormone and thus stops the growth and spread of cancer.
No, do not stop taking Abiraterone Acetate without consulting your doctor. It is recommended to take this medicine for the entire prescribed duration, even when symptoms improve or resolve.
The common side-effects of Abiraterone Acetate are nausea, dizziness, heartburn, headache, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, joint pain, confusion, hot flushes, loss of appetite, and groin pain. These side effects usually do not require any medical attention.
Take Abiraterone Acetate as advised by your doctor. However, if you forget or miss any dose of Abiraterone Acetate, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. But do not double the dose.
Inform your doctor if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver/kidney disease, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, bone disorders, adrenocortical insufficiency, fluid retention and cardiovascular conditions before taking Abiraterone Acetate.
Abiraterone Acetate is not a cure for prostate cancer. However, it helps manage advanced stages by blocking testosterone production, thereby slowing the growth and progression of the cancer.
No, Abiraterone Acetate is not a chemotherapy drug. Abiraterone Acetate is a hormonal therapy that lowers testosterone levels to reduce the growth of prostate cancer.
You need to take prednisolone with Abiraterone Acetate to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, fluid retention (too much water in your body), and low potassium levels in your blood which may be caused by Abiraterone Acetate.
Yes, Abiraterone Acetate can affect the liver. Your healthcare provider will perform blood tests to check your liver function before and during treatment.
Liver function tests (investigation) should be conducted before starting Abiraterone Acetate and periodically during treatment, as advised by your healthcare provider.
Abiraterone Acetate should be taken once daily on an empty stomach, at least two hours after eating or one hour before eating. Swallow Abiraterone Acetate whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it. Always follow the recommended dose.
