Abiraglob 250mg (Abiraterone Acetate) Tablets – Androgen Synthesis Inhibitor for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Abiraglob 250mg contains abiraterone acetate, an inhibitor of the enzyme CYP17 used in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Standard androgen deprivation therapy shuts down testosterone production in the testes. Abiraterone goes further, blocking androgen synthesis in the adrenal glands and within the tumour itself, which is why it continues to work in disease that has become castration-resistant.

Abiraterone is never given alone. It is always combined with a low-dose steroid, prednisone or prednisolone, and androgen deprivation therapy is continued alongside it, whether that is an LHRH agonist such as goserelin or previous surgical castration. Stopping either of those while continuing abiraterone is unsafe and undermines the treatment.

The single most important instruction with this medicine is that it must be taken on an empty stomach. Food substantially increases how much abiraterone is absorbed, and a high-fat meal can raise blood levels many times over, which is a genuine toxicity risk rather than a technicality. Our pharmacists go through the timing with every patient before the first dose.

Abiraglob is supplied as 250mg tablets. The standard 1000mg daily dose is therefore four tablets taken together once a day, on an empty stomach. Abiraterone acetate is also made as a 500mg tablet, where the same daily dose is two tablets.

Key Features

• CYP17 Inhibition: Blocks androgen production at the testicular, adrenal and intratumoural level, not only the testes.
• Works in Castration-Resistant Disease: Effective where standard androgen deprivation alone has stopped controlling the cancer.
• 250mg Tablets, 1000mg Daily Dose: Four 250mg tablets taken together once a day, at the same time each day, on an empty stomach.
• Dispensed With Counselling: Every patient is briefed on the fasting requirement, the steroid partner and the monitoring schedule.
• Continuity of Supply: Refill prompts and proactive sourcing so long-running hormone therapy is not interrupted.

FAQ

What is abiraterone acetate used for?

It is used in metastatic prostate cancer, both in castration-resistant disease and, in selected high-risk patients, in hormone-sensitive disease. It is always combined with a steroid and with continued androgen deprivation therapy.

How is abiraterone taken?

The usual dose is 1000mg once daily, which is four Abiraglob 250mg tablets taken together, swallowed whole with water. It must be taken on an empty stomach: no food for at least two hours before the dose and none for at least one hour afterwards. Many patients find first thing in the morning or last thing at night easiest to keep consistent.

Why does abiraterone have to be taken without food?

Food markedly increases absorption. A high-fat meal can raise blood levels of abiraterone many times above the level the dose was designed to produce, increasing the risk of liver toxicity, fluid retention and high blood pressure. This is the most common serious dosing error with this medicine.

Why is prednisone or prednisolone taken alongside it?

Blocking CYP17 raises the drive from the pituitary and increases mineralocorticoid production, which causes fluid retention, low potassium and high blood pressure. The low-dose steroid suppresses that drive. Do not stop the steroid because you feel well.

Do I keep taking my Zoladex or other hormone injection?

Yes, unless you have had surgical castration. Androgen deprivation therapy continues throughout abiraterone treatment. Stopping the injection while taking abiraterone allows testosterone to rise again.

How much does abiraterone cost in Nigeria?

Current pricing is shown above and reflects our sourcing at the time of listing. Several brands of abiraterone acetate are available at different price points. Contact our oncology pharmacy team for current pricing across the options we hold and for HMO claim support, since this is a long-running monthly cost.

What monitoring is needed on abiraterone?

Liver function tests before starting, every two weeks for the first three months and monthly thereafter. Blood pressure, serum potassium and signs of fluid retention are checked at least monthly. PSA is used to follow the response.

What are the common side effects?

Swelling of the legs and ankles, low potassium, raised blood pressure, urinary tract infection, tiredness, and elevated liver enzymes. Report swelling, breathlessness, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or yellowing of the eyes or skin to your team promptly.

What if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take two doses to catch up. If you miss more than one day, tell your oncology team.

Can the tablets be crushed or split?

No. Swallow them whole with water. Abiraterone tablets should not be handled by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, and gloves should be used if a carer needs to handle them.

Are brand and generic abiraterone the same?

Licensed generics contain the same active ingredient at the same strength and are held to the same standards. Price differences between brands can be substantial. Where cost threatens continuity of treatment, speak to our pharmacists about the options rather than skipping doses.

How is abiraterone stored?

Store below 30°C in the original pack, out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Return unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe destruction.

Do I need a prescription to buy abiraterone in Nigeria?

Yes. It is a prescription only oncology medicine. HubPharm pharmacists verify every prescription before dispensing, and your oncologist or urologist can e-prescribe directly to us.