What Is Abiraterone?
Abiraterone (pronounced ah-bir-rat-te-rone) is a hormone treatment drug that is mostly used to treat advanced prostate cancer, which means the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. It works by attacking testosterone, the hormone that makes prostate cancer grow.
How Does Abiraterone Work?
Testosterone is good for prostate cancer. Abiraterone stops this process from happening by:
- Stopping the body from making testosterone.
- Cutting off cancer’s hormone supply to slow its growth.
This makes it a good choice for treating metastatic prostate cancer.
How to Take Abiraterone
Dosage and Administration
- Form:Â Tablets must be taken by mouth.
- Timing:Â Take it either one hour before meals or two hours after meals.
- With Steroids:Â You will also take prednisolone, a steroid, to assist lessen the negative effects.
Important Rules of Abiraterone use
✔ Always follow your doctor’s directions exactly. Never change your dose without talking to them first.
✔ Consistency is important; taking it with food can change how well it is absorbed.
✔ Don’t stop suddenly; always talk to your healthcare team first.
Tests and Monitoring Throughout Treatment
Your doctor will keep an eye on your health by:
- Regular blood tests to assess potassium levels, liver and kidney function, and potassium levels.
- Checks of blood pressure (since high blood pressure can be a negative effect).
These tests make verify that the treatment is safe.
Possible Side Effects of Abiraterone
Side effects can be different, however here are some things to look out for:
Common Side Effects (More than 10% of People) of Abiraterone
- Oedema, or fluid retention, is when your hands and feet swell.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause painful urination, a lot of desires to go, or murky or bloody urine.
- High blood pressure: Be on the lookout for headaches, dizziness, or changes in vision.
- Diarrhoea: Drink plenty of water and change your diet if you need to.
- Low potassium levels can be found through blood testing.
- Changes in the liver that are not very serious—usually transitory.
Side Effects That Are Less Common (1–10% of People)
- Broken bones
- Problems with the heart (chest pain, heartbeats that aren’t regular)
- Cholesterol levels that are too high
- Indigestion or a rash on the skin
Uncommon Side Effects (Less Than 1% of People)
- Hormone deficit in the adrenal glands (fatigue, desiring salt)
- Pain or weakening in the muscles (in really bad cases, injury to the muscles)
When to Get Help Right Away
- If you have a fever (over 37.5°C or below 36°C), it could be an infection.
- Severe diarrhoea, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
✔ Side effects that get worse with time and can’t be controlled.
More Things to Think About
Interactions Between Drugs and Food
- Stay away from grapefruit and grapefruit juice because they can make adverse effects worse.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use, even supplements.
Fertility and Birth Control
- Could impair fertility, so think about storing sperm before treatment.
- Use birth control because this medicine can hurt a baby that is still in the womb.
Going to the Doctor and Dentist when taking Abiraterone
- Always let other doctors and nurses know about your cancer therapy.
Last Thoughts
Abiraterone is a strong weapon against advanced prostate cancer, but like all medications, it needs to be used with care. For the best results, stay in regular touch with your medical team, tell them about any problems right away, and do what they say.
Do you have any questions or stories to share? Please leave a comment below; we’d love to hear from you!