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Abiraterone Acetate

Information about Abiraterone Acetate

Abiraterone Acetate Uses

Abiraterone Acetate is used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

How Abiraterone Acetate works

Abiraterone Acetate is an anticancer medication. It works by preventing androgen (male hormone) production in man. This is done by inhibiting an enzyme (CYP17) that is responsible for the production of androgen. This is how it slows down the growth of prostate cancer.

Common side effects of Abiraterone Acetate

Vomiting, Decreased potassium level in blood, Edema (swelling), Decreased white blood cell count, Fatigue, Increased liver enzymes, High blood pressure, Urinary tract infection, Diarrhea, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Cough, Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), Hot flashes, Joint swelling, Increased levels of blood fat, Altered blood sugar level

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

18 Feb 2020 | 11:52 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Abiraterone Acetate

Expert advice for Abiraterone Acetate

Abiraterone Acetate treats prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
It is usually taken with another medicine called prednisolone to reduce unwanted side effects.
It must be taken on an empty stomach. Don't eat any food for at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after your dose.
Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet before swallowing. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
Always use effective birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
Your doctor may regularly monitor your liver function, blood pressure, and the level of potassium in your blood while you are having treatment with this medicine.

Frequently asked questions for Abiraterone Acetate

Abiraterone Acetate

Q. Can Abiraterone Acetate cure prostate cancer?

Abiraterone Acetate does not cure cancer but helps in prolonging and improving the life of the patient. Moreover, when prostate cancer is treated with Abiraterone Acetate then the frequency of fractures is relatively less. Similarly, the increase in pain is less common with Abiraterone Acetate.

Q. Is Abiraterone Acetate a chemotherapy drug?

Abiraterone Acetate is a hormonal treatment not a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat prostate cancer in adult men that has spread to other parts of the body. Abiraterone Acetate stops your body from making testosterone. This can slow down the growth of prostate cancer.

Q. Why do I need to take prednisolone with Abiraterone Acetate?

Your doctor will always prescribe prednisolone with Abiraterone Acetate. Taking these two medicines together lowers the risk of getting high blood pressure, fluid retention (having too much water in your body), or having reduced levels of potassium in your blood, which can occur due to Abiraterone Acetate.

Q. Does Abiraterone Acetate affect liver?

Abiraterone Acetate can cause severe liver problems. In very rare cases, Abiraterone Acetate may even cause failure of the liver to function (called acute liver failure), which can even lead to death. Tell your doctor if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, darkening of the urine, or severe nausea or vomiting, as these could be signs or symptoms of liver problems.

Q. How frequently should the liver investigations be done?

Liver enzymes should be measured prior to starting the treatment, every two weeks for the first three months into the treatment, and monthly thereafter. If you develop clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of liver toxicity, liver enzymes should be measured immediately. If the liver enzyme levels are increased beyond certain levels, your doctor may temporarily discontinue the treatment with Abiraterone Acetate.

Q. How to take Abiraterone Acetate?

Abiraterone Acetate should be taken on an empty stomach with water 1 hour before eating or at least 2 hours after eating. Taking it with food may cause increased and variable levels of Abiraterone Acetate in your blood which can be harmful. Remember not to crush or chew the tablet.