Abiraterone acetate

Description

Abirakast (Abiraterone acetate) is a recently developed hormonal therapy designed to address prostate cancer in adult male patients. Administered orally as Abirakast 250 mg, this medication inhibits the activity of the CYP17A1 enzyme, responsible for the production of testosterone, a male hormone. Prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone for growth, and Abiraterone acetate targets the excessive production of this hormone.

This medication is specifically prescribed for patients with prostate cancer in the following scenarios:

**After other chemotherapy options (such as docetaxel) have proven ineffective, particularly in cases of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

**In adults experiencing mild or no symptoms, where chemotherapy has not been initiated, or other hormonal therapies (like androgen deprivation therapy) have not yielded results.

Key Advantages of Abirakast 250 mg (Abiraterone acetate):

Control of Prostate Cancer: Abiraterone acetate helps manage and control the progression of prostate cancer.

Extended Lifespan: It contributes to an increased duration of life for patients.

Alleviation of Symptoms: Abiraterone acetate can delay or alleviate common symptoms associated with prostate cancer, including pain and fatigue.

Combination Therapy with Prednisone:
Abiraterone acetate is often administered in conjunction with prednisone, an immune system-suppressing drug that reduces inflammation. This combination offers additional benefits, including:

Reduced Hypertension: Acts as a countermeasure against hypertension as a side effect.

Lowered Antigen Production: Suppresses the production of antigens that stimulate prostate cancer growth.

Stimulates Appetite: Induces a healthy appetite for a stable diet.

Administration of Abirakast 250 mg (Abiraterone acetate):
Abiraterone acetate is taken orally in 1000 mg concentrations, equivalent to four 250 mg tablets once a day. It is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, with no food consumed at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after the dose. Tablets should not be crushed or swallowed without water. Grapefruit juice should be avoided as it may trigger unwanted side effects.

When to Avoid or Use Abirakast 250 mg (Abiraterone acetate) Cautiously:
Abiraterone acetate should be used cautiously or avoided in the following scenarios:

Previous history of heart diseases or failure.

Hypertension or arrhythmia, with monthly blood tests recommended.

Adrenocortical insufficiency, where corticosteroid drugs (prednisone) are advised.

Common Side-Effects:
Common side effects may include edema, fatigue, joint and muscle discomfort, stomach issues (diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting), dyspnea, hot flushes, cough, and urinary tract infections.

Laboratory Side-Effects:
Laboratory side effects may include low levels of potassium and phosphate, anemia, elevated triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as well as increased levels of liver enzymes.

Note: Abirakast (Abiraterone acetate) is also available for export to countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Venezuela, and Korea.