Abiraterone is a prescription medicine brand name that is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other body parts ( metastasized ). It is basically a hormone therapy that works in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC).
Metastatic means a cancer that has spread to other body parts. The word castration refers to lowering the high level of testosterone. Testosterone plays a major role in stimulating the growth of cancer cells. So if testosterone levels become low, the growth of cancer cells becomes slow. And the medicine Abiraterone contains Abiraterone acetate which lowers the level of testosterone.
However, the longest time on Abiraterone varies from man to man. In clinical studies, a man with CRPC and taking Abiraterone, lower the risk of death by 34%. Another study shows that for those who took Abiraterone their survival rate was 83% for three years.
Abiraterone :
Abiraterone contains Abiraterone acetate and comes with 250 mg tablet and 500 mg tablet. The 250-mg tablet of Abiraterone acetate is available as a . but 500 mg doesn’t have any .
Abiraterone dosage and Drug forms:
The dosage of Abiraterone that your doctor prescribes depends on several factors.
This includes
- Your liver function
- Heart function
- Your regular medicine intake list
However, the doctor will prescribe the smallest amount that suits you and provide the desired effects. In general, 1000 mg of Abiraterone (per day) is recommended. However, Be sure with your doctor and take the dose that your doctor prescribes for you. Typically, Abiraterone comes in 2 forms; 500 mg film-coated form and 250 mg uncoated tablet.
Things should be considered before taking Abiraterone
Before taking Abiraterone, describe basic information to your doctor about all of your medical conditions including if you have-
- Diabetes
- Liver issues
- Heart problem
- History of pituitary problems
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding women?
- Keep a list of medicines that you take or treatment that you receive.
Side effects of Abiraterone
Abiraterone can cause mild to serious side effects
Common side effects are
- Vomiting
- joint pain, swelling
- edema
- High blood pressure
- headache
- fatigue
- cough
- nausea
- redness in your skin
- diarrhea
Serious side effects
- High blood sugar levels
- Low blood potassium levels
- High blood pressure
- anemia
- High cholesterol levels
- High triglyceride levels
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney problems
- blood in urine
Rare serious side effects
- trouble breathing
- angioedema (swelling under your skin
- dark urine
- stomach pain
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- Very fast or slow heartbeat
How Long Should You Continue Taking Abiraterone
While we talk about the longest time on Abiraterone, There are several factors to evaluate how long you can take Abiraterone. Typically one can continue Abiraterone for as long as the medicine is effective or as long as he can tolerate them.
Typically, a patient with metastatic prostate cancer remains on Abiraterone for 8-24 months. For continuing Abiraterone your doctor will check
- Your PSA level ( a protein produced by the prostate).
- Liver function and potassium levels by blood test.
- Blood pressure.
- Monitor the signs of disease progression using CT Scan, MRI, etc.
However, stopping Abiraterone suddenly causes a rapid growth of prostate cancer cells. This is too much worse for your health. So don’t skip without your doctor’s permission.
Abiraterone Plus ADT and Texture:
Adding ADT and Texture with Abiraterone creates a “triplet therapy” that can slow down the progression of cancer cells. This combination works better compared to the single use of ADT and Texture.
American Society of Clinical Oncology shows that including Abiraterone with ADT and Texture improves the survival duration for 4.5 years without the progression of cancer compared to 2.2 years of survival rate with ADT + Texture without Abiraterone.
Alternatives to Abiraterone:
Common alternatives of Abiraterone that are used to treat prostate cancer are-
- docetaxel (Texture)
- cabazitaxel (Jevtana)
- Enzalutamide
- sipuleucel-T (Provenge)
- radiotherapy ( Xofigo)
Enzalutamide vs.Abiraterone :
Enzalutamide | Abiraterone |
Contains Enzalutamide | Contains Abiraterone acetate. |
used to lower the level of testosterone by preventing testosterone from attaching to its receptors. | is also used to lower the level of testosterone by blocking the production of testosterone. |
FDA-approved for both metastatic and nonmetastatic CRPC | FDA-approved for metastatic CRPC. |
Don’t have a form | Have form |
Yonsa vs. Abiraterone :
Yonsa | Abiraterone |
Abiraterone acetate (smaller particale) | Abiraterone acetate. |
FDA-approved to treat mCRPC | FDA-approved for both mCRPC and mCSPC. |
cost less than Abiraterone | Abiraterone brand name and both cost more than Yonsa. |
Abiraterone and coffee:
Yes, you can consume Abiraterone with coffee. There is no interaction between coffee and Abiraterone. However, it is recommended to take Abiraterone and wait at least 1-2 hours after eating.
Because food can decrease the absorption rate of Abiraterone and make it less effective.
FAQs
What is Abiraterone?
Abiraterone is a Brand name ( available) for prescribed medicine that contains Abiraterone acetate. For treating prostate cancer, doctors will prescribe this medicine. Typically, Abiraterone is used as a hormone therapy.
What is Abiraterone used for?
Abiraterone is used to treat both metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) that spread to other body parts. By lowering the level of testosterone (stimulating the progression of cancer cells), Abiraterone decreases the growth of cancer cells.
How much does Abiraterone cost per month?
The costs of Abiraterone depend on your location, your insurance plan, and the pharmacy you visit. So I can’t be able to provide you an exact value.
Is Abiraterone chemotherapy?
No, Abiraterone is not a form of chemotherapy. Abiraterone contains Abiraterone which is used as a hormone therapy drug. It is a treatment for metastatic prostate cancer.
How long does Abiraterone work?
Some studies show that Abiraterone prolonged life for about 4.5 months. In another study, 83% man with mCRPC survived for three years by taking Abiraterone. Abiraterone lowered 34% risk of death. Adding prednisone with Abiraterone for newly diagnosed mCSPC patients lowers the 38% chance of death.
Conclusion:
Abiraterone is a perfect treatment for prostate cancer As the longest time on Abiraterone is proven. Abiraterone success rate is much appreciable. But Before taking Abiraterone, contact your doctor and provide him with your full medical history. If your doctor prescribes you to take Abiraterone contact with us on WhatsApp https://wa.me/+919999344593 or send me a direct e-mail info@medixocentre.com so that we can provide you an authentic source of Abiraterone .