ABIRATERONE 250mg and 500mg

Description

Abiraterone (available in 250 mg and 500 mg strengths) is an oral anticancer medicine used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It belongs to the class of medicines known as androgen biosynthesis inhibitors.

It is primarily prescribed to patients with:

• Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) – prostate cancer that has spread and no longer responds to testosterone-lowering treatment.

• Metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) – advanced prostate cancer that still responds to hormone therapy.

Abiraterone works by blocking CYP17 enzyme activity, which is required for the production of androgens (male hormones like testosterone). Since prostate cancer cells rely on these hormones for growth, reducing androgen levels helps slow cancer progression and improve survival.

It is usually given along with prednisone (a corticosteroid) to balance hormone levels and reduce side effects.

Available Strengths

• Abiraterone 250 mg Tablet

• Abiraterone 500 mg Tablet

(Both strengths contain the same active ingredient; the difference is only in dosage size for ease of administration.)

Key Benefits

• Effective in advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.

• Reduces the body’s production of androgens, slowing tumor growth.

• Helps improve survival rates and quality of life.

• Can be combined with other prostate cancer therapies for better outcomes.

How to Use

• Take exactly as prescribed by your oncologist.

• Usually taken once daily on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals).

• Should be taken along with prednisone as directed.

• Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush or chew.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• High blood pressure

• Low potassium levels

• Fluid retention (swelling in legs/feet)

• Fatigue

• Joint swelling or discomfort

• Hot flushes

Serious side effects (seek immediate medical help):

• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain

• Severe liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine)

• Breathing difficulties

• Sudden weight gain or severe swelling

Precautions

• Use only under oncologist’s supervision.

• Not for use in women or children.

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Monitor blood pressure, potassium levels, and liver function tests regularly.

• Inform your doctor if you have heart, liver, or adrenal gland problems.

• Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice while on treatment.

FAQs

Q1. What is Abiraterone used for?
It is used to treat advanced prostate cancer, especially when it has spread and is no longer responding to traditional hormone-lowering therapy.

Q2. Why is Abiraterone given with prednisone?
Abiraterone reduces cortisol levels, which can cause side effects. Prednisone helps balance hormones and reduce side effects like fluid retention and low potassium.

Q3. Can Abiraterone cure prostate cancer?
No, it does not cure prostate cancer but helps control its growth, delay progression, and improve survival.

Q4. How long should I take Abiraterone?
It is usually taken long-term as advised by your oncologist, depending on how well you respond to treatment.

Q5. Can I take Abiraterone with food?
No. It should be taken on an empty stomach – 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

Q6. What tests are required while taking Abiraterone?
Regular monitoring of liver function, potassium levels, and blood pressure is required during treatment.

Q7. Is there a difference between Abiraterone 250 mg and 500 mg?
Both contain the same active ingredient. The 500 mg tablet is just a higher strength for convenience (fewer pills to take).

TRUSTED Anti Cancer  MEDICINE PROVIDER – UNNATI PHARMAX

References:-

• DailyMed (U.S. NLM) – Prescribing information for Abiraterone Acetate Tablets (250 mg & 500 mg)
  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b7919013-1511-44f0-a759-3fa78a9fa178 Drugs.com

• Taj Pharma – Official product and prescribing information for Abirataj (Abiraterone acetate) 250 mg & 500 mg tablets
  https://abiraterone.tajpharma.com/ Taj Pharma