Abiraterone Brand And Generic Names

Therapeutic indications of Abiraterone

Abiraterone is a drug indicated for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.  It belongs to the CYP17 inhibitor class of medicines. It is in indicated to use in combination with prednisone. It is a drug that may be administered with prescription. Consult a doctor prior to starting therapy with abiraterone and take all necessary laboratory tests. Read carefully the package leaflet and get informed about the indications of administration, dosage, potential interaction with other drugs and other important information related to the use of abiraterone.

Contraindications

Avoid abiraterone if you have a known hypersensitivity to the drug or if you have developed allergic reaction to a CYP17 inhibitor previously;
Abiraterone is contraindicated for use in women, especially if pregnant due to increased incidence of pregnancy loss and developing of severe malformations of the fetus.

Indications of administration and dosage

Abiraterone is a drug available for oral administration in tablets of 250mg. The usual recommended dose of abiraterone is 1000mg administered once daily in combination with 5mg of prednisone twice daily. It is recommended to take the tablets on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush or chew the tablets. There is the need of dose adjustment in patients with clinical evidence of hepatic impairment. Generally, patients with hepatic impairment should use a dose of 250mg once daily. Patients with severe hepatic impairment are contraindicated the use of abiraterone.
If the patients develop hepatotoxicity, it is necessary to discontinue with the drug and treat the symptoms.

Warnings and precautions with Abiraterone

Prior to the initiation of therapy with abiraterone patients need to pass the necessary examinations. It is advised to measure the level of transaminases and bilirubin levels before starting to take abiraterone. Take all protective measures in order to avoid the developing of severe adverse reactions.

• While on therapy with abiraterone, patients may experience hypertension, fluid retention or hypokalemia as a consequence of inhibiting properties of abiraterone. There have been reported such adverse reactions, therefore, patients need to exercise caution to the administered doses of abiraterone in order to avoid such reactions.
• Patients with recent myocardial infarction or ventricular arrhythmia should also exercise caution to the use of abiraterone. Such patients are mostly susceptible to precipitation of existing symptoms and developing hypertension and hypokalemia.
• There have been reported cases of adrenocortical insufficiency in patients on therapy with abiraterone and concurrently administering prednisone. Symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency may be masked by other adverse reactions. Make periodic checks at hospital and make all necessary laboratory studies in order to evaluate the safety and efficiency of the therapy with abiraterone. If any abnormalities are depicted, discontinue with the drug and treat the symptoms.
• There is an increased incidence of developing hepatotoxicity while on therapy with abiraterone. It is recommended to check periodically the levels of liver enzymes. Stay under the supervision of physicians for the whole period of therapy with abiraterone and if any abnormalities are depicted, discontinue taking the drug under careful monitoring of physicians.
• It is indicated to take the tablets on an empty stomach. Do not consume any food for at least two hours before the dose intake and for at least an hour after the administration of abiraterone.

Possible adverse reactions with Abiraterone

Like all medicines, abiraterone may cause adverse reactions when used in prescribed doses. There have been reported adverse reactions from the use of abiraterone. The most common side effects patients may experience while receiving treatment with this drug are the following:

• Fatigue;
• Joint swelling or discomfort;
• Hot flush;
• Diarrhea;
• Vomiting;
• Hypertension;
• Edema;
• Urinary tract infection;
• Contusion;
• Cough;
• Dyspnea.

Generally, these adverse reactions are mild to moderate in severity. If any of the enumerated adverse reactions occur, report about it immediately. Decrease the doses to the lowest effective ones and treat the symptoms. If the symptoms get persistent and bothersome, discontinue with the drug and replace it with other drug more suitable and more tolerable.
Laboratory abnormalities with abiraterone are the following:

• Anemia;
• Elevated alkaline phosphatase;
• Lymphopenia;
• Hypophosphatemia;
• Hypercholesterolemia;
• Hyperglycemia

Possible adverse reactions with abiraterone are the following:

• Hypertension;
• Hypokalemia;
• Fluid retention;
• Hepatotoxicity;
• Adrenocortical insufficiency.

Adverse reactions with abiraterone used in combination with prednisone are also considered the following:

• Muscle discomfort and joint swelling;
• Edema;
• Diarrhea;
• Dyspepsia;
• Upper respiratory tract infection and urinary infection;
• Urinary frequency;
• Nocturia;
• Arrhythmias;
• Chest pain;
• Cardiac failure;
• Myalgia;
• Bradycardia.

If any of the enumerated side effects develop, report about it immediately. Get medical care and assistance.

Interaction with other drugs

Prior to the initiation of therapy with abiraterone, prevent your doctor about all medicines you are taking daily, including prescription and non-prescription ones, vitamins, minerals, herbal products and natural supplements. It is not recommended the concomitant use of abiraterone with rifampin, which is a strong CYP3A4 inducer. It is also not recommended the concurrent administration of abiraterone with dectromethorphan. Generally, abiraterone may be used concurrently with many medicines. However, exercise caution to the potential interaction of abiraterone with other medicines.

Overdosage with Abiraterone

There is no clear evidence from overdosage with abiraterone. If you have accidentally ingested a higher dose of abiraterone, report about it immediately and seek prompt help and care. Stay under the supervision of physicians until there is no threat. Follow all the instructions and indications of use.

If you miss a dose of Abiraterone

If you forgot to take a dose of abiraterone, take it as soon as you remember. Remember, take the tablets on an empty stomach and do not eat for at least an hour after the administration of abiraterone. Try to not miss doses. If you are not sure what to do about the missed dose, contact a pharmacist and ask for advice.

Storage

It is recommended to keep abiraterone at the room temperature below 30 degrees C. Avoid direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the drug in its original package and out of the reach of children. Do not use expired medicine. Look carefully at the expiry date on the bottom of the package. If you have any questions related to the disposal ways of expired medicine, ask a pharmacist for a proper advice.