Abirakast 250 mg contains Abiraterone Acetate, a selective androgen biosynthesis inhibitor used in the management of advanced prostate cancer. It is commonly prescribed alongside prednisone to manage hormone-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer in adult men.

Abirakast is taken orally, typically in a regimen aimed at reducing the production of testosterone — a hormone that fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Mechanism of Action

Abiraterone acetate is converted in the body to abiraterone, which inhibits CYP17A1, an enzyme crucial for androgen production in the adrenal glands, testes, and tumor tissue.

Key Actions:

• Blocks 17α-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase enzyme activity

• Reduces androgen (testosterone) synthesis

• Starves prostate cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow

By reducing these hormones to very low levels, abiraterone helps control the progression of prostate cancer, particularly when the disease has spread or stopped responding to traditional hormone therapies.

Uses / Indications

Abirakast (Abiraterone Acetate) is used to treat:

Approved Indications:

• Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)

• Metastatic High-Risk Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mCSPC)

Usually given:

• In combination with prednisone to reduce side effects like hypertension and fluid retention

• Alongside androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or following surgical castration

  Adverse Effects

  While generally well tolerated, Abirakast may cause certain side effects due to hormonal changes and mineral imbalances.

  Common Side Effects:

  • Fatigue

  • Joint swelling or pain

  • High blood pressure

  • Fluid retention (edema in legs or feet)

  • Hot flashes

  Less Common but Serious:

  • Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)

  • Liver function abnormalities (elevated liver enzymes)

  • Heart problems like arrhythmia or chest pain

  • Adrenal insufficiency (rare but serious)