Abiraterone Acetate is a CYP17 inhibitor that is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is combined with prednisone for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This medication is used on the patient who has received any prior chemotherapy containing docetaxel.
This is one of the safest and efficient drugs which was approved in the United state and Europe for medical use in 2011. It is in the record of the World Health organization's list of essential medicines.
Abiraterone Acetate is a hormonal therapy that is used to stop the essential function of the tumor. The growth of prostate cancer cells is mainly stimulated by androgen or testosterone. If there is any interference that stops the production of these hormones then the survival rate of prostate cancer increases.
Zytiga interferes with the activity of an enzyme that is expressed in adrenal testicular and prostatic tumor tissues, which is one of the major parts of the body's androgen producing process. When this activity is handed then the production decreases. It blocked the androgen production from three different sources; adrenal gland testis as well as from the tumor cells.
Dosage and Administration:
Abiraterone Acetate is available in tablet form of concentration 250 mg. The dosage of this medicine depends upon several factors such as age, weight, and stage of cancer. This prostate cancer treatment drug should be taken on an empty stomach. No food should be consumed for at least 2 hours before the dose and for at least one hour after the dose. Taking medication along with food may increase the dose of medicine and thus cause serious risk of side effects.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Pregnant women should wear gloves while handling abiraterone acetate 250 mg.
Drug interaction: Abiraterone acetate is an inhibitor of hepatic drug metabolism enzyme CYP2D6.
This drug is avoided to Coadminister with CYP2D6 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic index. If this medication is necessary to be combined then particular precautions should be taken.
Side Effects: The common side effect of Abiraterone Acetate tablets are mentioned below:
Cough
Hypertension
Diarrhea
Hypokalemia
Muscle pain
Increased triglycerides
Frequent urination
Upper respiratory tract infection
Edema
Hot flush
Urinary tract infection
Arrhythmia
Increased Liver enzyme
Dyspepsia
Vision changes
Severe adverse reaction of abiraterone 250 mg are listed below:
Mineralocorticoid excess: The use of this medication is not preferred with a patient having cardiovascular disease.
The patient may develop hypertension due to this medication. Hypokalemia should be controlled before prostate cancer treatment.
Blood pressure and serum potassium should be monitored for at least 1 month.
Adrenocortical insufficiency: symptoms and science of adrenocortical insufficiency are monitored.
Hepatotoxicity: Elevation in liver enzymes may lead to drug interaction, dosage modification thus liver functioning and enzyme production should be monitored carefully. Any changes occur then the use of this medication is discontinued.
Food effect: Abiraterone 250 mg is taken on an empty stomach. Interaction with food may decrease the efficiency of the drug.
This drug is contraindicated to be used on pregnant women. It is found that the drug may cause fetal damage and sometimes leads to miscarriage.
Price of Abiraterone: Abiraterone's price is quite decent as well as affordable. This prostate cancer medication can be purchased from any legitimate pharmaceutical company.