Abiraterone 250 Mg Tablets

Abiraterone 250mg tablets are a medication used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Here's a detailed description:

What it is:

• Active Ingredient: Abiraterone acetate (each 250mg tablet contains 250 mg abiraterone acetate, equivalent to 223 mg of abiraterone).

• Class of Medication: Androgen biosynthesis inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones (androgens like testosterone) in the body, which can slow the growth of prostate cancer.

• Form: Oral tablet, typically film-coated.

Uses:

• It is used in combination with prednisone or prednisolone to treat:

  • Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): Prostate cancer that has spread and is no longer responding to treatments that lower testosterone levels (surgical or medical castration).

  • Metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC): Prostate cancer that has spread but is still responding to hormone therapy, specifically when it's considered high-risk.

Dosage and Administration:

• The typical recommended dose is 1,000 mg (four 250 mg tablets) as a single daily dose.

• Important: Abiraterone must be taken on an empty stomach. This means taking it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating any food. Taking it with food significantly increases the absorption of abiraterone, which can lead to increased side effects.

• It is usually taken once daily at around the same time each day.

• It is crucial to take abiraterone exactly as directed by your doctor and not to break, crush, or chew the tablets.

• Prednisone or prednisolone is prescribed alongside abiraterone to help manage potential side effects related to increased mineralocorticoid levels (e.g., high blood pressure, fluid retention, low potassium).

Side Effects: Abiraterone can cause various side effects, some common and some serious. It's important to monitor for these and report them to your doctor.

• Common Side Effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

  • Fluid retention (swelling in legs or feet)

  • Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)

  • Increased liver function test results

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Diarrhea

  • Joint swelling/discomfort

  • Muscle discomfort

  • Cough

  • Upper respiratory tract infection

  • Insomnia

  • Constipation

  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)