ABIRATERONE ACETATE
Background and Date of Approval
On 28 April 2011, the U.S. FDA approved abiraterone acetate for use in combination with prednisone for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have received prior chemotherapy containing docetaxel.
Uses
Abiraterone acetate is used in treatment of prostate cancer.
How is it administered?
This medication is to be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Abiraterone acetate is administered orally (by mouth) and the recommended dose is 1000mg (two tablets) once a day. This medication is not to be taken with food and must be consumed whole without breaking it.
Side Effects
Abiraterone acetate may give rise to a range of adverse effects including bone fracture, indigestion, blood in urine, rash, diarrhea, high fat levels in the blood, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, urinary tract infection, fluid in the legs or feet, high BP, and low blood potassium levels in the body (serious).
Warnings
Abiraterone acetate is unsafe during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. This medication must not be taken with food. If you are lactose intolerant inform your doctor before starting treatment with this medication as it contains lactose. Inform your doctor if you are on a salt control diet as it contains sodium.
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, high blood pressure, heart failure or low blood potassium levels, and high sugar levels. Effective contraception is to be followed while being treated with Abiraterone acetate. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking before starting treatment with this medication.
Word of Advice
Abiraterone acetate is administered once daily on an empty stomach. The medication should be taken at least two hours after food consumption. Food may be consumed at least one hour after taking the medication.
References
1. Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc, US Food and drug administration, [ Revised date: APR 2011] [ Accessed date: 26 MAY 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/202379lbl.pdf 2. Janssen- Cilag International NV, Electronics Medicine Compendium (emc), [Revised date: SEP 2021] [ Accessed date: 26 MAY 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2381.pdf 3. Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Natural products in cancer chemotherapy: hormones and related agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1707 - 1709.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will abiraterone acetate cure prostate cancer?
No, abiraterone acetate will not cure prostate cancer. However, it can help bettering and prolonging the patientâs life.
What are the side effects of abiraterone acetate?
Irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, urinary tract infection, fluid in the legs or feet, high BP, bone fracture, indigestion, blood in urine, rash, diarrhea, high fat levels in the blood, chest pain, and low blood potassium levels in the body (serious) are some common side effects of abiraterone acetate.
What do I do if I miss a daily dose of abiraterone acetate?
If you miss a dose of abiraterone acetate, take the dose prescribed to you the next day. If youâve missed more than one dose then, consult your doctor.
How to take abiraterone acetate?
Abiraterone acetate is to be taken orally. It must be swallowed as whole and must not be broken.
Is abiraterone safe for pregnancy?
Abiraterone acetate is unsafe during pregnancy and must not be taken by women as it might cause harm to the unborn baby. Men taking abiraterone acetate must follow effective contraceptive measures.