Abiraterone Acetate 250 mg Tablet (Abiraxen)

Abiraterone acetate 250 mg tablet (Abiraxen) is a prescription medicine used in combination with prednisone for the treatment of metastatic castration prostate cancer that cannot be treated with medical or surgical treatment and has spread to other parts of the body. It is used in adult patients who have already received chemotherapy with docetaxel.

It was discovered by Janssen Biotech, Inc. and marketed with the brand name Zytiga. Abiraxen is the generic brand of Zytiga, manufactured and sold by Everest Pharmaceuticals, available in India, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia.

Abiraterone Acetate 250 mg tablets Indications

Abiraxen is a CYP17 inhibitor indicated for use in combination with prednisone for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who have received prior chemotherapy containing docetaxel.

Abiraterone Acetate 250 mg mechanism of action

Abiraxen suppresses androgen production at multiple sources by inhibiting CYP17, effectively reducing tumor growth in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer, though it can cause mineralocorticoid-related side effects.

Abiraterone Acetate dosage

Abiraterone comes in 250 mg tablet form, with a recommended dose of 1000 mg administered orally once daily in combination with 5 mg prednisone administered orally twice daily. The medication must be taken on an empty stomach. No food should be taken at least two hours before and one hour after.

How should I take Abiraxen?

•       Take Abiraxen exactly as prescribed by the doctor, not more or less.
•       If necessary, your healthcare provider will change the dose.
•       Do not stop taking the medication if you are not instructed to do so; it may increase the risk of side effects and disease progression.
•       If you administer the medicine with food, your body may absorb more of the medicine than needed, which may increase the side effects.
•       Men who are sexually active with a pregnant woman must use a condom during and for one week after the treatment. If their sexual partner may become pregnant, a condom and another form of birth control must be used during and for one week after the treatment. Consult with your doctor in detail about the birth control process during the treatment.
•       If you miss a dose, take your regular dose the following day. If you miss more than one dose, talk to your doctor immediately.

What are the possible side effects of Abiraterone Acetate?

This medication may cause serious side effects like high blood pressure, low blood potassium levels, and fluid retention. Call your doctor right away if you get any of the following symptoms:

•       Dizziness
•       Fast heartbeat
•       Feel faint or lightheaded
•       Headache
•       Confusion
•       Muscle weakness
•       Pain in your legs
•       Swelling in your legs or feet

Adrenal problems may happen if you stop taking prednisone, which may cause infection.

Liver problems. Your healthcare provider will perform liver tests before and during treatment to check your liver functionality.

The most common side effects of Abiraxen include:

•       Joint swelling or pain
•       Muscle aches
•       Hot flushes
•       Diarrhea
•       Urinary tract infection
•       Cough
•       Irregular heartbeats
•       Urinate more often than normal
•       Heartburn
•   Cold-like symptoms

What should I tell my doctor before taking Abiraxen 250 mg?

Before taking Abiraxen, tell your doctor if you have

•       Heart problems
•       Liver problems
•       Have a history of adrenal and pituitary problems
•       Have any other medical conditions
•       Taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines, supplements.

How should I store Abiraxen 250 mg tablets?

•       Store the medicine at room temperature.
•       Keep it away from children and direct sunlight.
•       Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
•       Keep it in the original container it comes with.
•       Do not throw it out unless it has expired. Instead, use a safe disposal method. You can inform a local disposal team or call pharmacies; they will dispose of the medication safely.

What are the available Abiraterone Acetate Generic Brands?

Available generic brands in Bangladesh are

•       Abiraxen by Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
•       Abiret by Drug International Ltd.
•       Abiron by Ziska Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
•       Zyteron by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
•       Zytiga by UniMed UniHealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
•       Zytix by Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Available as 250 mg and 500 mg strength)

These brands are also available in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries such as India, China, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and in other countries where their drug administration has approved this.

Abiraterone Acetate Tablet 250 mg Price and Cost Information

The price cannot be estimated because it depends on different brands, manufacturers, and other related factors. However, the treatment cost also depends on brand, duration of the treatments, and availability of the medication. The cost of the treatment will be higher for a long-term treatment. Only your doctor or healthcare provider may estimate your treatment cost and guide you on how to buy it from an authorized supplier.

Abiraterone Acetate price variation across countries

India: Widely available as generics, usually more affordable

China: Both branded and generic versions exist; the  price depends on local regulations

Singapore: Mostly branded, higher cost compared to India.

Pakistan: Mostly generic brands are available, which may seem affordable to those who cannot afford a branded one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Niraparib and Abiraterone Acetate?

Niraparib targets DNA repair in tumor cells, primarily used in ovarian cancer, and Abiraterone blocks androgen (male hormone) production, primarily used in prostate cancer.

What is the solubility of Abiraterone Acetate?

Abiraterone is poorly soluble in water, meaning it is practically insoluble. Do not try to make a solution with water. Rather, it is soluble in Methanol, ethanol, and slightly soluble in acetone. Talk to your doctor if you are not able to swallow the medicine and want to make a solution of it; they will guide you.

Who manufactures Abiraterone Acetate in China?

According to the information available on the internet, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals and Hunan Yueyang Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd are the listed manufacturers of the medication in China.

Disclaimer: The above information was sourced from the Abiraterone acetate FDA approval label page. This information is only for general use; do not use it as a medical substitute. Always consult your doctor before using any prescription medicine.