"Abirateron" (Abirakast) is a drug from the class of androgen inhibitors used to treat prostate cancer. The active substance, abiraterone— blocks the enzyme CYP17, which is involved in the synthesis of male hormones, which slows down the growth of cancer cells.

The drug is available in the form of film-coated tablets, 120 pieces per pack. It is available on a doctor's prescription.

Indications for use

"Abiraterone" is prescribed for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (in combination with prednisone). The drug is effective in:

• Metastases in bones or other organs if the tumor has spread beyond the prostate gland;
• The resistance of the tumor to previous treatment after surgical castration or taking antihormonal drugs.

Contraindications

The drug is contraindicated in:

• Allergies to the components of the drug;
• Under the age of 18;
• Moderate to severe liver failure;
• Severe renal insufficiency.

With caution, it is prescribed when:

• Lack of lactase or lactose intolerance;
• Glucose-galactose malabsorption;
• Diseases in which increased blood pressure or decreased potassium levels can worsen the condition (for example, heart failure, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmia).

Abiraterone is not intended for women.

Method of administration and dosage

The recommended daily dose is 1 gram (4 250 mg tablets) once a day. The drug is taken an hour before meals or two hours after meals. Tablets are swallowed whole, washed down with water.

Important:

• The drug should not be taken with food;
• It is not recommended to eat within an hour after ingestion;
• If there are signs of hepatotoxicity (an increase in ALT or AST values by five times, bilirubin by three times), treatment is discontinued until the indicators return to normal.;
• In case of severe hepatotoxicity, treatment is permanently discontinued.

During therapy, it is important to visit a doctor regularly to monitor the condition and adjust the dose.

Side effects

Possible side effects include:

• Liver: hepatotoxicity, increased activity of ALT, AST and bilirubin;
• Urinary system: urinary tract infections, hematuria;
• Cardiovascular system: arterial hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation;
• Digestive system: dyspepsia;
• Musculoskeletal system: fractures (except pathological ones);
• Endocrine system: adrenal insufficiency;
• Respiratory system: allergic alveolitis;
• Laboratory parameters: hypokalemia, hypertriglyceridemia.