Abirakast Tablets

Abirakast is a brand name for a medication whose active ingredient is Abiraterone Acetate. It is a hormonal treatment used specifically for prostate cancer.

 

Mechanism of Action

 

Prostate cancer cells often rely on male hormones, called androgens (primarily testosterone), to grow and spread. Abiraterone Acetate is an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor. It works by blocking a key enzyme called CYP17, which is involved in the production of androgens in the testes, adrenal glands, and the tumor itself. By inhibiting this enzyme, Abirakast significantly reduces the amount of testosterone and other androgens in the body, effectively "starving" the cancer cells and slowing down the growth and spread of the tumor.

 

Uses

 

Abirakast is primarily used in adult men for the treatment of:

• Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC): This is an advanced form of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and continues to progress despite a patient having undergone other hormone-lowering treatments (castration).

• Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: It is also used in men with newly diagnosed, high-risk metastatic prostate cancer, where the cancer has spread but is still responsive to hormone therapy.

Abirakast is almost always prescribed in combination with a steroid medication like prednisone or prednisolone. The steroid is used to help manage some of the potential side effects, such as fluid retention and low potassium levels, that can be caused by the drug's effect on hormone production.

 

Dosage and Administration

 

• Abirakast is taken orally in tablet form.

• It is crucial to take this medication on an empty stomach. Patients should take it either one hour before a meal or at least two hours after a meal. Taking it with food can significantly increase the blood levels of the drug, which may lead to more side effects.

• The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken.

 

Side Effects

 

Because Abirakast works by affecting hormone levels, some of the side effects are related to these changes. The most common side effects include:

• Fluid retention (edema), particularly swelling in the ankles and feet

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)

• Fatigue or weakness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Hot flashes

• Joint pain or swelling

Serious, though less common, side effects can include:

• Liver problems: Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe nausea. Regular monitoring of liver function is necessary during treatment.

• Heart problems: The medication can affect heart rhythm or lead to heart failure, especially in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.

• Adrenal insufficiency: A rare condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones.

 

Important Considerations

 

• Abirakast is a powerful prescription medication and must be used under the strict supervision of an oncologist.

• It is not for use in women or children.

• Men taking this medication should use effective contraception if their partner is pregnant or could become pregnant, as the drug can be harmful to a developing fetus.

• Regular medical check-ups and blood tests are essential during treatment to monitor for side effects and assess the drug's effectiveness.