ABIRATERONE - ORAL

ABIRATERONE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (A-bir-A-ter-one)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zytiga

GENERIC NAME(S): abiraterone acetate

Uses

USES: This medication is used along with prednisone to treat men with prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. Abiraterone belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-androgens (anti-testosterone). Testosterone, a natural hormone, helps prostate cancer to grow and spread. Abiraterone works by blocking the production of testosterone, thereby slowing the growth and spread of prostate cancer. This medication should not be given to women or children.


How to use ABIRATERONE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking abiraterone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Different brands of this medication may have different dosing directions. Do not change brands of this medication without your doctor's direction. Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food) as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Taking abiraterone with food greatly increases the amount of this drug in your body and increases the risk of side effects. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew before swallowing. Pregnant women should wear gloves if handling the tablets. If the tablet is crushed or broken, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle it or breathe the dust from it (see also Precautions section). The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab results, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not stop any medications for your prostate cancer unless told to do so by your doctor. Stopping your medications could allow the cancer to spread more rapidly. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (such as urination becomes more difficult, bone pain increases).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, hot flushes, joint pain, heartburn or cold-like symptoms may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Your doctor may control your blood pressure with medication. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: increased urination, painful urination, fast/irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps/weakness, leg pain, swelling in legs/feet, bone fractures. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, feeling short of breath while at rest, symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking abiraterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as heart failure, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), high blood pressure, liver problems. Using corticosteroid medications for a long time along with abiraterone can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid touching or accidentally taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details. Because it is unknown if abiraterone passes into semen, men who use this drug and have sex with pregnant women must use a latex condom during all sexual contact, even if they have had a vasectomy. Men who use this drug and have sex with women of child-bearing age should use a latex condom and another reliable form of birth control (such as diaphragm with spermicide) during all sexual contact. Continue using reliable form(s) of birth control as directed until 3 weeks after abiraterone treatment has been stopped.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Other medications can affect the removal of abiraterone from your body, which may affect how abiraterone works. Examples include rifamycins (such as rifabutin), drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone), St. John's wort, among others.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

ZYTIGA 250 MG TABLET

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AA250

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AA, 500

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Faq for ABIRATERONE - ORAL

Abiraterone is an oral medication used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Abiraterone works by inhibiting the production of androgens (male hormones), which fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Abiraterone is used in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that has not responded to other treatments.

Abiraterone is usually taken once daily with or without food. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the dosage and timing of the medication.

Common side effects of Abiraterone include fatigue, joint pain, high blood pressure, fluid retention, hot flashes, and nausea. Serious side effects may include liver problems, low levels of potassium in the blood, and adrenal insufficiency. It is important to report any side effects to your healthcare provider.

Abiraterone can interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, and recreational drugs.

The duration of Abiraterone treatment depends on individual factors and the response to the medication. Your healthcare provider will guide you on how long you should continue taking Abiraterone.

Abiraterone should not be used by women, as it can harm an unborn baby. It is also important to inform your healthcare provider if you have any liver problems or have low potassium levels. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, liver function, and potassium levels may be necessary.

Abiraterone cannot cure prostate cancer, but it can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve overall survival in some patients.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.