ALKEPROST 250MG 120S TAB

What is Abiraterone for:

Abiraterone acetate is used for treating a certain type of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is used along with prednisone, a steroid. Abiraterone is a type of hormone therapy. Clinical trials are also using abiraterone for earlier stages of prostate cancer and advanced breast cancer.

How does Abiraterone work:

Abiraterone acetate is an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor. It works by decreasing levels of certain hormones produced by the testes. This helps to prevent the growth of certain tumors that need these hormones to grow. This hormone can slow the growth of prostate cancer or shrink it.

How should Abiraterone be used:

Initial dose: Orally once daily. Should be used in combination with prednisone orally twice daily.
Take abiraterone acetate by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Do not take it with food. The amount of abiraterone acetate in your body may be increased if you take it with food. This may increase the risk of side effects. Swallow abiraterone acetate whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

Common side effects of Abiraterone :

Taking prednisolone along with abiraterone will reduce the risk of side effects. Most men are observed not to have any problems with side effects. Possible side effects include: fluid retention, which can cause swelling in your ankles or hands; high blood pressure; liver problems.
Abiraterone can also cause the level of potassium in your blood to drop. This could make you feel tired and you may be at risk of a fast, irregular heartbeat. Speak to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

What do I do if I miss a dose

If you miss a dose of abiraterone acetate, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss more than 1 dose, contact your doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Abiraterone :

Do not use abiraterone acetate if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in abiraterone acetate, if you have severe liver problems
you are pregnant or may become pregnant

When do I need to seek medical help

Check with your doctor if any of these side effects persist or become bothersome: Cough; diarrhea; heartburn; hot flushes; joint swelling or pain; mild muscle discomfort; tiredness; vomiting; weakness. Some medical conditions may interact with abiraterone acetate. Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
If you are taking any prescription or non prescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement. If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances. If you have a history of liver problems, heart problems, irregular heartbeat, a recent heart attack, or high blood pressure. If you have low blood potassium levels or a history of adrenal gland problems, pituitary gland problems, or fluid retention or swelling of the feet.

Can I take Abiraterone with other medicines:

Some medicines may interact with abiraterone acetate. Inform your doctor if you are on Atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of abiraterone acetate's side effects. Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine because they may decrease abiraterone acetate's effectiveness. Carvedilol, chlorpromazine, desipramine, dextromethorphan, encainide, flecainide, iloperidone, maprotiline, metoprolol, nortriptyline, paroxetine, pimozide, propafenone, propranolol, risperidone, tetrabenazine, or thioridazine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by abiraterone acetate.

Are there any food restrictions

Do not take this medicine with food. Take it one hour before or two hours after.

How do I store Abiraterone :

Store abiraterone acetate at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep abiraterone acetate out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy Category

Pregnancy Category: X
If abiraterone is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant during treatment, the patient should be advised of the potential hazard to the developing fetus and/or risk for pregnancy loss. Women of childbearing potential should be encouraged to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with abiraterone.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle abiraterone tablets without protection. This drug may have a harmful effect on a developing baby. It is important not to father a child during treatment. Talk to your doctor or nurse about contraception before having treatment if there is any chance that your partner could become pregnant. You need to use a condom and another effective birth control method. It should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding.

Therapeutic Classification

Androgens & Related Synthetic Drugs, Hormonal Chemotherapy