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

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

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

Can I take Abiraterone during pregnancy?

It is not safe in pregnancy. Use of contraceptives is advised as it can harm the unborn baby.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Abiraterone while breastfeeding?

Women who are taking this medicine should not breastfeed. Consult a doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Abiraterone?

It doesn’t affect your driving ability.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Abiraterone?

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 ...

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.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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