Abiraterone acetate is a prescription medicine that is used together with prednisone. This agent is used for the treatment of men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
The abiraterone 250 mg specifically is another hormonal therapy that is involved in order to block the testosterone formation by blocking the CYP17 enzyme and is usually used when resistance to an LHRH therapy forms, which is referred to as CRPC (Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer).
Approval: The abiraterone 250 mg tablet acts in order to suppress the formation of androgens. It specifically inhibits CYP17A1 and thereby reduces the testosterone formation. In doing so, it is involved in preventing the effects of these hormones in prostate cancer.
In the year of 1995, abiraterone acetate was described, and in the year of 2011, it was approved for medical use in the United States as well as Europe.
Dosage Form: Abiraterone comes in the form of tablets generically and under the brand name Zytiga. The usual dose of abiraterone is 1,000 mg administered orally once in a day along with prednisone 5 mg administered orally twice daily. Pills of abiraterone need to be taken on an empty stomach. No food should be consumed for at least two hours before the dose of abiraterone is taken and for at least one hour after the dose of abiraterone is taken. The abiraterone 250 mg tablet should be swallowed whole with water.
Side Effects: Side effects of abiraterone are usually mild and not life threatening. The commonly reported side effects may include low blood potassium, tiredness, vomiting, hot flashes, headache, high blood pressure, joint pain, swelling, high blood sugar, diarrhea, and cough.
The price of abiraterone 250 mg in India may vary depending on the wholesaler or pharmacy and of course the brand you choose. The cost of abiraterone is around 19,500 INR for a bottle of 120 Tablets.
