Where is Abiraterone Acetate used?
Abiraterone Acetate is an oral prescription used for the treatment of prostate cancer. This belongs in the class of medications called anti-androgens or anti-testosterone. Testosterone is a natural hormone that helps prostate cancer to grow and spread. This medicine blocks the production of testosterone and slows the growth and spread of prostate cancer.
How does Abiraterone Acetate work?
Abiraterone Acetate works by stopping the body from producing a hormone called testosterone. It is different from other types of hormone therapy. In most men, prostate cancer cells can’t grow without testosterone even if they have spread to other parts of the body. Using this treatment helps some men live longer. It can also help delay or treat symptoms such as tenderness and pain.
How is Abiraterone Acetate taken?
Abiraterone Acetate is to be taken by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. This is usually taken once a day or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Taking this medicine with food greatly increases the amount of the drug in your body and increases the risk of side effects as well.
You need to swallow the whole medicine and don’t chew or break it. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not stop any prescription that has been given for the treatment of prostate cancer unless your doctor tells you to do so. Stopping the medication will allow cancer to spread more quickly
What are the side effects of Abiraterone Acetate?
Common side effects:
- Headache
- Cough
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hot flushes
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Feeling very tired
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness or aches
- Lack of energy
What are the precautions in taking Abiraterone Acetate?
- Abiraterone Acetate may cause liver problems. For this reason, your doctor will want you to have blood tests to monitor your liver function.
- This is not for use in women and men with severely decreased liver function.
- Your blood pressure and the level of potassium in your blood should also be checked every month. You should tell your doctor if you have any signs of fluid retention.
- Women who are or could be pregnant should wear gloves if they need to touch or handle Abiraterone Acetate.
- Abiraterone Acetate should not be taken by people with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
- Use this with caution in people with decreased liver function, severely decreased kidney function, or high blood pressure. For people with a history of heart disease, with a low level of potassium in their blood, and on a low sodium diet, this medication should also be used with caution.
- This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you have experienced an allergic reaction to this medicine, inform your doctor right away and stop taking the drug.
