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Abiraterone Acetate

This page provides concise information on the drug abiraterone acetate, including its indications, dosage and administration guidelines, mechanism of action, associated brands with their strengths, as well as important warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Abiraterone acetate, in conjunction with prednisone, received approval from the U.S. FDA on April 28, 2011, for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have undergone prior chemotherapy containing docetaxel.

Mechanism of Action of Abiraterone Acetate

Prostate cancer arises from an overproduction of male hormones (androgens/testosterone). Androgens are generated by the testicles, adrenal glands, and metastatic tumor. Abiraterone acetate functions by disrupting and inhibiting the enzyme CYP17A1, a catalyst in androgen production. This inhibition decreases the quantity of androgens synthesized in the body.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Mytera 250mg Tablet
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹17990.26
Bdron 250mg Tablet
BDR Pharmaceuticals Intl Pvt ₹28440.26
Arbitus Tablet
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd ₹27650.26
Alkeprost 500mg Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd ₹33300.26
Alkeprost 250mg Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd ₹13999.00

Uses of Abiraterone Acetate

Abiraterone acetate is employed for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abiraterone Acetate Drug administaration and Dosage available

Follow your doctor’s prescription when taking this medication. Abiraterone acetate is to be taken orally (by mouth), with the recommended dose being 1000mg (two tablets) once daily. Refrain from taking this medication with food, and ensure that the tablets are swallowed whole without breaking them.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Abiraterone Acetate

Warnings

Abiraterone acetate is unsafe during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. This medication must not be taken with food. If you are lactose intolerant inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medication as it contains lactose. Inform your doctor if you are on a salt control diet as it contains sodium.

Precautions

Notify your doctor of any pre-existing conditions such as liver disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, low blood potassium levels, and elevated sugar levels. Employ effective contraception during Abiraterone acetate treatment. Before initiating this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking.

Side Effects

Common adverse effects associated with Abiraterone acetate include bone fractures, indigestion, blood in the urine, rash, diarrhea, elevated levels of fat in the blood, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, urinary tract infection, fluid retention in the legs or feet, high blood pressure, and potentially severe low blood potassium levels in the body.

Word Of Advice

Abiraterone acetate should be taken once daily on an empty stomach, without any food. It is recommended to take the medication at least two hours after eating. After taking the medication, wait for at least one hour before consuming any food.

Frequently Asked Question

No, abiraterone acetate will not cure prostate cancer. However, it can help bettering and prolonging the patient’s life.
Irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, urinary tract infection, fluid in the legs or feet, high BP, bone fracture, indigestion, blood in urine, rash, diarrhea, high fat levels in the blood, chest pain, and low blood potassium levels in the body (serious) are some common side effects of abiraterone acetate.
If you miss a dose of abiraterone acetate, take the dose prescribed to you the next day. If you’ve missed more than one dose then, consult your doctor.
Abiraterone acetate is to be taken orally. It must be swallowed as whole and must not be broken.
Abiraterone acetate is unsafe during pregnancy and must not be taken by women as it might cause harm to the unborn baby. Men taking abiraterone acetate must follow effective contraceptive measures.

References

  1. Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc, US Food and drug administration, [ Revised date: APR 2011] [ Accessed date: 26 MAY 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/202379lbl.pdf
  2. Janssen- Cilag International NV, Electronics Medicine Compendium (emc), [Revised date: SEP 2021] [ Accessed date: 26 MAY 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2381.pdf
  3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Natural products in cancer chemotherapy: hormones and related agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1707 – 1709.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.