Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer among men. Abiraterone can help to treat prostate cancer that has been distributed to the areas of the body. This is a class of drug that belongs to the anti-androgens. This medicine is meant to be used only by men.
Abiraterone is a hormonal drug that is derived from steroidal progesterone. It is a unique type of drug on its own and has its medical benefits in patients with prostate cancer that does not resolve with conventional treatments, including hormonal treatments. This drug is recommended as an acetate salt prodrug with higher bioavailability. It is found to be less susceptible to hydrolysis than the actual drug.
This drug blocks an enzyme in the body called cytochrome p17. This enzyme is needed by the body to create testosterone, the male sex hormone. By blocking this enzyme, abiraterone can slow down the growth of prostate cancers and reduce its size.
Abiraterone is usually taken as a tablet once a day. The usual dosage is two to four tablets a day. When taking, you should swallow it with a glass of water, preferably on an empty stomach. This tablet should be taken one hour before consuming food or at least two hours after eating. This drug is often prescribed with a steroid drug known as prednisolone to decrease the risk for side effects.
