Product Introduction:
Abiratas 250mg is an anti-cancer medication used to treat prostate cancer. It is prescribed to patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and works by decreasing androgen (male hormone) production, slowing down cancer cell growth. The medicine is often taken alongside prednisone or prednisolone to manage side effects.
Uses:
Abiratas 250mg is primarily used for:
- Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC): Advanced prostate cancer that continues to progress despite low testosterone levels.
- High-Risk Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC): Newly diagnosed prostate cancer that is still sensitive to hormonal therapy but has spread to other parts of the body.
- Prostate Cancer with High PSA Levels: Helps manage and reduce prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients.
- Delaying Disease Progression: Extends the time before cancer worsens in patients who are resistant to conventional hormone therapy.
- Improving Quality of Life: Reduces cancer symptoms like bone pain and urinary issues associated with advanced prostate cancer.
- In Combination with Prednisone: Helps reduce inflammation and side effects caused by abiraterone treatment.
How It Works (Mechanism of Action):
Abiraterone acetate is a CYP17 enzyme inhibitor, meaning it blocks an enzyme (CYP17) that is crucial for androgen (testosterone) production.
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Prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone to grow.
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By inhibiting CYP17, Abiraterone reduces testosterone production from:
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Testes (Primary source of androgens)
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Adrenal glands (Backup androgen source)
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Tumor cells themselves (Cancerous prostate cells can also produce androgens)
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As a result, prostate cancer cells shrink or grow more slowly.
Dosage:
The recommended dosage is:
- 1,000 mg per day (4 tablets of 250mg each)
- Taken once daily on an empty stomach
- Usually prescribed with prednisone 5 mg twice daily
Note: Always follow your doctor’s prescription.
Method of Administration:
- Take the tablets whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
- Take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal (food increases absorption, leading to potential side effects).
- Must be taken in combination with prednisone to manage side effects.
- Avoid grapefruit juice as it may interfere with absorption.
Side Effects:
Common Side Effects:
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High blood pressure (Hypertension)
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Low potassium levels (Hypokalemia) – May cause muscle weakness or cramps.
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Swelling in legs & feet (Fluid retention, Edema)
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Liver enzyme elevation – Regular liver function tests are required.
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Increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels
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Joint pain or muscle pain
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Fatigue, dizziness, or headache
Severe Side Effects:
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Heart problems (Irregular heartbeat, heart failure, chest pain)
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Severe liver damage (Hepatotoxicity) – Signs include yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine.
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Adrenal insufficiency – Body fails to produce enough cortisol.
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Severe allergic reactions (Swelling of face, difficulty breathing, rashes)
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Severe low potassium levels – May cause irregular heartbeat and muscle paralysis.
Precautions:
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Not for use in women or children.
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Avoid alcohol as it may worsen liver toxicity.
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Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels regularly.
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Patients with diabetes should be careful as it may increase blood sugar levels.
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Patients with heart disease or liver problems need regular monitoring.
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Elderly patients may be more prone to side effects.
Drug Interactions:
Avoid taking Abiratas 250mg with:
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Rifampin, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine – Reduces effectiveness.
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Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin – Increases risk of toxicity.
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Warfarin & Blood Thinners – Increased bleeding risk.
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Diuretics (Furosemide, Spironolactone) – May worsen low potassium levels.
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HIV medications (Ritonavir, Efavirenz) – May alter Abiraterone levels.
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Heart medications (Digoxin, Diltiazem, Verapamil) – Requires close monitoring.
Allergies:
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Do not take Abiratas 250mg if you are allergic to Abiraterone Acetate or any of its ingredients.
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Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling of the face, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Storage Instructions:
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Store at room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F)
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Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight.
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Store in original container with the lid tightly closed.
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Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information:
Symptoms of Overdose:
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Severe high blood pressure
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Extreme weakness or confusion
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Liver toxicity signs (yellow skin, severe fatigue)
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Severe low potassium levels (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat)
What to Do in Case of Overdose?
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Seek immediate medical attention.
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Contact a poison control center or go to the nearest hospital.
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Bring the medicine bottle for reference.
Missed Dose Instructions:
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the next dose.
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Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
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Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Additional Notes:
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Men using Abiraterone should use contraception if their partner is pregnant or could become pregnant.
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Do not donate blood while on this medication, as it may harm recipients.
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Regular liver function tests (LFTs) are necessary to monitor for liver toxicity.
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This medicine does not cure prostate cancer, but it can slow its progression and improve survival.
