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
Decreased potassium level in blood, High blood pressure, Urinary tract infection, Diarrhea, Increased triglyceride level in blood, Sepsis, Cardiac failure, Angina pectoris, Atrial fibrillation, Tachycardia, Dyspepsia, Blood in urine, Peripheral edema, Fracture, Adrenal insufficiency, Muscle damage, Rhabdomyolysis, Allergic alveolitis, Fulminant hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Liver failure
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.