Abiraterone

Abiraterone

Abiraterone stands as a crucial medication in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Doctors often prescribe abiraterone tablets as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Patients taking abiraterone need to understand its proper use, dosage, and potential effects. The medication works differently from traditional chemotherapy drugs and requires specific administration guidelines. This article covers everything from abiraterone uses and proper dosing to potential side effects and necessary precautions, helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment journey.

What is Abiraterone?

Abiraterone is a specialised medication classified as an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor, explicitly developed for treating prostate cancer that has metastasised to other body parts. This medication works differently from traditional cancer treatments by targeting hormone production in the body.

It is typically prescribed in combination with other drugs, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, to enhance its effectiveness in treating advanced prostate cancer.

The development of abiraterone represents a significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment, as it provides an option for patients whose cancer has either not responded to or has progressed despite traditional hormone therapy treatments. Doctors carefully prescribe this medication based on specific patient conditions and treatment requirements.

Abiraterone Tablet Uses

The following are some common abiraterone 250 mg uses:

• Treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in combination with methylprednisolone
• Management of metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC) with prednisone
• Treatment of patients with mild symptoms after androgen deprivation therapy failure
• Care for patients whose disease has progressed despite docetaxel-based chemotherapy
• Treatment of newly diagnosed patients when combined with prednisolone and androgen deprivation therapy

How to Use Abiraterone Tablet

Proper administration of abiraterone tablets requires careful attention to specific guidelines to ensure maximum effectiveness. The proper administration of abiraterone involves several crucial steps:

• Take tablets once daily as a single dose
• Swallow tablets whole with water
• Take on an empty stomach
• Maintain a 2-hour gap before eating
• Wait 1 hour after taking before consuming food
• Never crush or chew the tablets
• Take prescribed prednisone as directed
• Continue with prescribed hormone therapy
• Take abiraterone at the same time each day to establish a routine
• Patients should never alter their dosage or stop taking abiraterone without consulting their doctor. Taking the medication with food can affect how much medicine the body absorbs, potentially leading to unwanted side effects.

For successful long-term treatment, patients might find it helpful to maintain a medication diary and coordinate with family members or caregivers to help track doses. 

Side Effects of Abiraterone Tablet

Like all medications, abiraterone can cause various side effects that patients need to monitor carefully. 

• Common Side Effects:
  • Joint swelling and pain
  • Hot flashes
  • Digestive issues (heartburn, diarrhoea)
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Cough and respiratory infections
  • Headaches
  • Muscle discomfort
• Serious Side Effects:
  • Severe dizziness
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Heart rhythm irregularities
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Dark-coloured urine
  • Painful urination
  • Swelling in legs or feet
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing

Precautions

Doctors establish specific monitoring protocols to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes while minimising potential risks.

• Essential Monitoring Requirements:
  • Regular blood pressure measurements before and during treatment
  • Frequent liver function tests, especially in the first three months
  • Blood and urine analysis to check for unwanted effects
  • Potassium level monitoring
  • Blood sugar level checks, particularly for diabetic patients
• Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle abiraterone tablets without protective gloves due to potential risks to the foetus. 
• Contraceptive Measures: Men using abiraterone must use effective contraception during therapy and for three weeks after the final abiraterone dose.
• Medical Condition: Patients must inform their doctors about their complete medical history, particularly regarding heart problems, liver conditions, or previous heart attacks. Those with diabetes require special attention as abiraterone may affect blood sugar levels.
• Critical Restrictions:
  • No food consumption two hours before and one hour after taking the medication
  • No interruption of treatment without medical consultation
  • Avoid certain medications, including over-the-counter products, unless approved by doctors
  • Restrict specific herbal supplements that might interact with the treatment

How Abiraterone Tablet Works

Abiraterone functions as a selective inhibitor of an enzyme called CYP17, which plays a key role in hormone production. Once ingested, the liver converts abiraterone acetate into its active form, allowing it to work effectively in the body. This conversion process enables the medication to reach its full potential in blocking testosterone production.

The medication's unique capability lies in its ability to block testosterone production at three distinct sources:

• The testes
• The adrenal glands
• The prostate tumour itself

This comprehensive blocking action makes abiraterone particularly effective in treating advanced prostate cancer. The medication prevents cancer cells from producing their own testosterone, which would otherwise fuel tumour growth. By targeting the CYP17 enzyme, abiraterone stops the production of testosterone precursors, effectively cutting off the fuel supply that cancer cells need to grow.

Can I Take Abiraterone with Other Medicines?

Medical records indicate that abiraterone interacts with numerous different medications, including:  

• Food and Timing Considerations: Patients must follow specific timing guidelines when taking abiraterone. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach, as food can significantly affect how the body absorbs the medicine. 
• Medication Interactions: Several common medications require special attention when taken with abiraterone. These include:
  • Anticoagulants such as apixaban
  • Antiseizure medicine, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin 
  • Blood thinners
  • Certain heart medications 
  • Blood thinners
  • Herbal supplements like  St. John's Wort
  • Radium Ra 223

Patients must maintain an updated list of all their medications, including vitamins and supplements, and share this information with their healthcare team. Any changes to medication regimens should only occur under medical supervision.

Dosing Information

Doctors determine the appropriate dose considering multiple factors, including the patient's liver function and concurrent medications.

Standard Dosing Requirements: