Product Introduction:
Abiratred 500mg is an anti-cancer medication used to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is mainly prescribed for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). This medicine works by reducing androgen (testosterone) production, which slows the growth of prostate cancer cells. It is typically used in combination with prednisone or prednisolone to manage side effects.
Uses:
Abiratred 500mg is prescribed for:
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Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC): Advanced prostate cancer that keeps growing despite low testosterone levels.
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Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC): Newly diagnosed prostate cancer that has spread but is still hormone-sensitive.
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Lowering Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Levels: Helps control prostate cancer progression by reducing PSA levels.
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Delaying Disease Progression: Slows down tumor growth and increases survival rates.
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Relieving Symptoms of Advanced Prostate Cancer: Reduces bone pain and urinary difficulties associated with prostate cancer.
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Used Along with Prednisone: To prevent side effects like high blood pressure and fluid retention.
How It Works (Mechanism of Action):
Abiratred 500mg contains Abiraterone Acetate, which is a CYP17 enzyme inhibitor.
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The CYP17 enzyme is essential for producing androgens (male hormones like testosterone).
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Prostate cancer cells need androgens to grow.
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Abiratred blocks CYP17, thereby reducing androgen production from:
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Testes
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Adrenal glands
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Tumor cells themselves
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As a result, the tumor shrinks or grows more slowly.
Dosage:
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Recommended dose: 1,000 mg (two 500 mg tablets) once daily
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Taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food)
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Must be taken with prednisone (5 mg twice daily) to manage side effects.
Important: Follow the doctor’s instructions precisely.
Method of Administration:
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Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
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Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
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Take on an empty stomach (food increases absorption and side effects).
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Avoid grapefruit juice, as it may interfere with the drug’s effectiveness.
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Take at the same time every day for the best results.
Side Effects:
Common Side Effects:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Low potassium levels (Hypokalemia) – Can cause muscle cramps and weakness.
- Swelling in legs & feet (Fluid retention, Edema)
- Liver enzyme elevation – May indicate liver problems, so regular tests are needed.
- Increased cholesterol & triglycerides
- Joint or muscle pain
- Fatigue, dizziness, headache
Severe Side Effects:
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Heart issues (Irregular heartbeat, chest pain, heart failure)
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Liver damage (Hepatotoxicity) – Symptoms include yellowing of the skin/eyes and dark urine.
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Severe low potassium levels – Can cause irregular heartbeat and muscle paralysis.
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Adrenal insufficiency – The body may stop producing enough cortisol.
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Severe allergic reactions – Swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, or rashes.
Precautions:
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Not for use in women or children.
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Avoid alcohol, as it may worsen liver damage.
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Monitor blood pressure and potassium levels regularly.
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Patients with diabetes should be careful as the drug can increase blood sugar levels.
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Patients with heart disease or liver problems require close monitoring.
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Elderly patients may be more prone to side effects.
Drug Interactions:
Avoid taking Abiratred 500mg with:
- Rifampin, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine – Reduces effectiveness.
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin – Increases the risk of toxicity.
- Warfarin & Blood Thinners – Increases bleeding risk.
- Diuretics (Furosemide, Spironolactone) – May worsen low potassium levels.
- HIV medications (Ritonavir, Efavirenz) – May alter Abiraterone levels.
- Heart medications (Digoxin, Diltiazem, Verapamil) – Requires close monitoring.
Allergies:
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Do not take Abiratred 500mg 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, dark urine)
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Severe low potassium levels (irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness)
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 taking Abiratred should use contraception if their partner is pregnant or may 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 check for toxicity.
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This medicine does not cure prostate cancer, but it can help control the disease and extend life expectancy.
