What percentage of Prostate Cancer is Castration-Resistant?

Abiraterone 250 mg

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer that initiates in the prostate gland cells, which is found only in males. The prostate gland is a tiny walnut-shaped gland that produce seminal fluid that helps in the locomotion and nourishment of the sperms.

CRPC i.e. Castration-resistant prostate cancer, is a developed form of prostate cancer. The cancer is no longer entirely responding to medications that down testosterone, with CRPC. It certainly shows the indications of growth, such as increasing prostate-specific antigen even with low testosterone levels. Among prostate cancer patients, almost 10% to 20% are castration-resistant, and among them, 16 percent of the patients do not show evidence for cancer stretching out at the time of diagnosis of castration resistance.

Abiraterone acetate can help to treat metastatic castration-resistant. Abiraterone acetate tablets advance survival for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients before and even after chemotherapy. It has a favorable impact on patients’ health-related aspects of life and anguish.

Abiraterone acetate tablets 250 mg

Abiraterone 250 mg is a medication used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Precisely it is used concurrently with corticosteroids for mCRPC (metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer) and mCSPC (metastatic high-risk castration sensitive prostate cancer). It is a steroidal compound having antiandrogen activity.

Abiraterone impedes the enzymatic action of steroid 17 alpha-monooxygenase that catalyzes the steroid intermediates 17 alpha-hydroxylation, which is involved in testosterone synthesis. It simply works by avoiding the production of androgen i.e. male hormone, which is certainly done by hindering the CYP17 enzyme. This is how it helps to slow down the advancement of prostate cancer. The price of Abiraterone 250 mg is Rs. 28500/bottle.

Administration of Abiraterone tablets

Dosing may be diverse as per the patient’s condition. This is an oral dosage form medication. It must be taken as directed by the physician. Consume the medication via the mouth on an empty stomach at least two hours after or one hour before a meal. This tablet should be taken once a day. Consuming Abiraterone 250 mg with food can thoroughly increase the amount of this drug in the body and advance the risk of side effects. Do not break, chew or crush the tablet and swallow it as a whole. Do not miss a dose and take medication on time. Do not overdose with the medication.

Side effects of Abiraterone 250 mg

Most of the patients consuming Abiraterone  250 mg may experience some common side effects. The side effects of Abiraterone acetate are always predictable based on the onset, duration, and severity of the tablet. These side effects are often reversible and may go away as the therapy progresses. These side effects may be relatively manageable. There are various alternatives to prevent or minimize Abiraterone’s side effects.

Some common side effects are as follows:

• Fluid retention
• Intensified liver enzymes (AST)
• Increased triglycerides

Some less common side effects:

• Discomfort
• Muscle aches
• Joint swelling
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Urinary tract infection
• Peripheral Edema means swelling of feet and hands
• Hypokalemia
• Increased ALT

Contact the physician immediately if any of the following side effects are experienced

• Chest pain or irregularity in heart rate
• Difficulty in breathing
• Higher Fever and chills
• Dizziness
• Significant headache
• Severe fatigue
• Increase in blood pressure
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing of eyes or skin
• Change in stools

Precautions to be taken while consuming Abiraterone 250 mg

• Tell the doctor about any medications before starting this medication if any medications are going on.
• This medication strictly should not be taken by pregnant women without the proper consultation of a physician. While the ongoing treatment of this drug, getting pregnant or breastfeeding should be avoided.
• The risk of QT prolongation may increase if the patient has certain medical conditions. So consult the doctor.
• Men should use a condom or other birth control method during treatment as excretion of abiraterone acetate in semen is not known. Therefore proper precautions should be taken.