Abiraterone
Molecule Description
Abiraterone is an anti-androgen medicine, also known as an anti-testosterone me
dication. Abiraterone is used in conjunction with Prednisone for the treatment of prostate cancer. It stops your body from making testosterone; this can slow the growth of prostate cancer.
Uses of Abiraterone
Treats prostate cancer in adult men that has spread to various parts of the body.
Contraindications of Abiraterone
When should one not use Abiraterone
- If you have liver or heart problems
- If you have high blood pressure
- If you have gained weight rapidly
- If you have swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
- If you have high blood sugar
Side effects of Abiraterone
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Fluid in your legs or feet
- Low blood potassium
- Liver function test increases
- Hypertriglyceridemia (increase in triglycerides)
- Hyperglycemia (increase in blood sugar)
- Hypernatremia (increase in sodium levels)
- Hypokalemia (decrease in potassium levels)
- High blood pressure
- Urinary tract infection
- Diarrhoea
- Lung irritation
- Reduced sex drive (libido)
- Rare side effects:
- Failure of the liver to function
- Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Heart failure
Precautions and Warnings of Abiraterone
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Abiraterone during pregnancy?
A:
It is not safe in pregnancy. Use of contraceptives is advised as it can harm the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Abiraterone while breastfeeding?
A:
Women who are taking this medicine should not breastfeed. Consult a doctor.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Abiraterone?
A:
It doesn’t affect your driving ability.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Abiraterone?
A:
The interaction of medicine with alcohol is not known.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Inform doctor before taking this medicine
- If you have an allergy to Abiraterone Acetate or any of the other ingredients
- If you have liver problems
- If you have been told you have high blood pressure or heart failure or low blood potassium (low blood potassium may increase the risk of heart rhythm problems)
- If you have had other heart problems
- If you have irregular or rapid heart rate
- If you have shortness of breath
- If you have gained weight rapidly
- If you have swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
- If you have taken a medicine known as Ketoconazole in the past for prostate cancer
- If you have high blood sugar
Mode of Action of Abiraterone
How Does It Work?
Abiraterone blocks the enzyme CYP17A1 and prevents the conversion of 17-hydroxyprognenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), thereby decrease the serum levels of testosterone and other androgens and helps in slowing the growth and spread of prostate cancer....
Interactions of Abiraterone
Interactions with other medicines
- Rifamycins (such as Rifabutin)
- Medicines used to treat seizures (such as Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone)
Interactions with food items
Abiraterone interacts with several food items and hence must be taken on an empty stomach to maximize effectiveness.
Dosage of Abiraterone
Overdose
Do not increase the prescribed dosage. It doesn’t improve disease symptoms. It further enhances the side-effects. In case of an overdose of Abiraterone, immediately contact your doctor.
Missed a Dose
If you forget to take medicine for more than one day, talk to your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Q1.Is Abiraterone safe for humans?
A: Abiraterone must only be used by adult men. Women and children are rarely recommended this medicine under any circumstances.
Q: Q2. Should I take Abiraterone on an empty stomach?
A: Consuming Abiraterone on an empty stomach is optimal. Taking it along with food will dramatically increase the amount of medicine in the body, which may lead to more significant side effects.
Q: Q3. Can I crush the tablets or break them before consuming?
A: Abiraterone tablets must be consumed whole with water. Do not chew or crush before swallowing.
Q: Q4. What are the sexual effects that may occur due to the consumption of medicine?
A: Reduced sex drive (libido) is a common side effect of Abiraterone.
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