Abiraterone Tablets
Works by reducing the production of testosterone throughout your body to slow or stop cancer cell growth.
Strengths: 250mg
Where to Check Availability
Medicine details
- Conditions
- Alternative names
Zytiga
- Therapeutic class
Antiandrogen
- Pharmacological class
CYP17A1 Inhibitor
- Contraindications
hypersensitivity to abiraterone; severe hepatic impairment; pregnancy
- Minor side effects
oedema; fatigue; hypertension
- Moderate side effects
hypokalaemia; elevated liver enzymes
- Dosage forms
Tablet; Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
Oral use
- Prescription status
POM
- Manufacturer
Janssen-Cilag
- Onset Time
2 hours
- Duration
24 hours
- Storage instructions
Store below 30°C.
- Drug interactions
corticosteroids; CYP3A4 inducers
- Age restrictions
Not for use in women or children.
Precautions and warnings
monitor liver function tests; monitor blood pressure; monitor potassium levels; maintain regular corticosteroid intake
Serious side effects
adrenocortical insufficiency — requires immediate medical attention; myopathy — requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Developed to target prostate cancer progression, this medication is utilized to alleviate hormonal signals that support tumour growth.
Mechanism of action
This medicine is a selective inhibitor of the enzyme CYP17A1. By blocking this enzyme, it prevents the synthesis of androgens in the adrenal glands and testes, reducing testosterone levels which can fuel the progression of certain prostate cancers.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Must strictly be avoided by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Abiraterone Tablets
For patients managing prostate cancer, this generic formulation contains Abiraterone, which directly blocks an enzyme necessary for your body to produce androgens. This medicine serves as a targeted option in oncology support, slowing the growth of cancer cells by lowering your body’s hormone levels.
What Is Abiraterone Tablets?
Abiraterone Tablets are a generic formulation designed to deliver abiraterone, the primary active compound found in the originator brand Zytiga. Manufactured by Janssen-Cilag, this medication is part of specialized oncology support, providing a consistent way to manage prostate cancer in adults.
Because it contains the same active ingredient, this formulation works in your body just like the standard version. It is designed to interrupt the specific chemical pathways that tumors often use to grow.
How Is Abiraterone Tablets Classified?
In the United Kingdom, medicinal products containing abiraterone are classified as Prescription-Only Medicines (POM). This means they are strictly regulated and designed to be used under the supervision of an oncologist or a specialist healthcare provider.
You cannot purchase this medicine over the counter. Clinical oversight is necessary because the way it affects your hormone pathways requires ongoing monitoring of your liver function, blood pressure, and potassium levels to ensure the medicine remains safe for your unique health profile.
Abiraterone Tablets: Form and Available Strengths
Abiraterone Tablets are an oral medication designed for daily use. While clinical ranges may vary, standard generic versions are widely known for their consistent delivery of the active compound.
Janssen-Cilag produces various formulations based on this compound. If you are looking for specific strengths or pack sizes, always verify the exact labeling on your pharmacy supply, as different versions may require different daily tablet counts.
What Is Abiraterone Tablets Used For?
This medication is used to address advanced prostate cancer. It is specifically intended for cases where the cancer has progressed or has spread to other parts of the body.
The medication addresses the source of tumor fuel by limiting androgen production. By managing these hormone levels, it assists in the care of advanced prostate cancer, often delaying the need for other types of harsh therapy and helping maintain your quality of life during your journey.
How Does Abiraterone Work in Abiraterone Tablets?
Your body, including the prostate gland, relies on androgens like testosterone to function, but prostate cancer cells often hijack this process to fuel their growth. Abiraterone works by blocking an enzyme called CYP17, which is a critical “switch” your body uses to create androgens in the testes, the adrenal glands, and even within the tumor tissue itself.
Normally, your body produces these hormones in a chain reaction; abiraterone stops the reaction before it finishes. By shutting down androgen production at every possible source, it essentially starves the cancer cells of the hormones they need to survive and spread. This keeps the tumor from receiving the chemical signals that encourage it to grow.
Where Abiraterone Fits in Its Drug Class
Abiraterone belongs to a class of medicines known as androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. Unlike older treatments that only targeted the testosterone produced by your testicles, this class is more comprehensive.
Because it cuts off hormone production from multiple sources—including the adrenal glands and the tumor cells themselves—it is often used when standard hormone therapy stops working. It represents a more direct approach to controlling the internal environment that cancer cells prefer.
Safety Overview for Abiraterone Tablets
What to check before using this medicine
Think about your current health history before you start on abiraterone. Speak with your healthcare team about any liver issues, heart conditions, or fluid retention problems you have encountered, as this medication can place specific demands on your liver and cardiovascular system.
Possible reactions and tolerability
Common responses can include shifts in your blood pressure, swelling in your lower limbs, or low potassium levels. You might also notice fatigue or joint discomfort as your body adjusts to lower hormone levels. If you experience unexpected changes in how you feel, or signs of liver distress like yellowing of your skin or eyes, notify your medical team immediately.
Interactions and health factors
Other medications, supplements, or specific dietary choices can change how your body processes this medicine. Because abiraterone affects your hormone regulation, combining it with other compounds may lead to unpredictable effects. Your doctor should review your full list of current medicines to avoid any unwanted overlaps.
Product labeling and verified clinical sources remain the correct references for specific contraindications, interactions, and potential reactions.
Finding Abiraterone Tablets in the UK
- Patients often look for recognized generic labels or the originator brand Zytiga through accredited online pharmacy portals in the UK.
- People managing prostate cancer use online pharmacy directories to confirm if a specific strength is in stock before scheduling a clinical appointment.
- Researching available forms helps patients have a clear conversation with their oncologist regarding the most convenient routine for their daily schedule.
- Checking the packaging and patient information leaflet upon arrival ensures the tablet strength matches the prescription written by your specialist.
Key Terms for Abiraterone Tablets
Androgen : A type of hormone, such as testosterone, that regulates male characteristics and can influence prostate cancer growth.
CYP17 Enzyme : A specific protein complex in your body that is essential for the final production steps of various hormones, including testosterone.
Oncology Support : A category of care focused on managing cancer, specifically through medication and strategies that slow disease progression.
Important Safety Information for Abiraterone Tablets
Abiraterone provided in this generic formulation represents a potent medical tool for hormone regulation, not a supplement or casual health aid. Products containing abiraterone may differ in manufacturer, precise formulation, and dosing requirements. This page does not authorize clinical application, self-directed interpretation, or unsupervised use of hormonal medications. Always review your personal product labeling, compare it against your known health risks, and rely on your own healthcare professional for any decisions requiring clinical judgment.
Available option
- 120 tablets - 250 mg1235-250-mg-14780