Zabpro 500mg Tablet

1. Product Introduction

Zabpro 500mg Tablet is a prescription medication that contains Abiraterone Acetate (500mg), an oral drug used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It belongs to a class of medicines called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors, which work by reducing the levels of androgens (male hormones) that help cancer cells grow.

Androgens like testosterone fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. Abiraterone Acetate works by inhibiting an enzyme called CYP17, which is crucial in the production of testosterone. By reducing hormone levels, it helps to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Zabpro 500mg is commonly prescribed along with prednisone or prednisolone, a corticosteroid that helps manage certain side effects and enhances the drug’s effectiveness. This medication is typically used in advanced prostate cancer cases, particularly those that have spread beyond the prostate gland or that no longer respond to conventional hormone therapy.

Zabpro is formulated for oral use and should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after eating, to ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness.

2. Uses of This Medicine

Zabpro 500mg Tablet is used for the treatment of:

• Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC): Prostate cancer that continues to progress despite surgical or medical castration (androgen deprivation therapy).

• Metastatic High-Risk Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mCSPC): Newly diagnosed prostate cancer that has already spread and responds to hormonal therapy.

• Often prescribed in combination with prednisone to enhance effectiveness and manage side effects.

3. Benefits of This Medicine

Zabpro 500mg Tablet provides multiple benefits for patients undergoing prostate cancer treatment:

• Slows Disease Progression: By blocking androgen production, Zabpro helps to control the growth and spread of cancer cells.

• Extends Survival: Clinical trials have shown that Abiraterone can significantly improve overall survival in men with advanced prostate cancer.

• Improves Quality of Life: It helps reduce cancer-related symptoms such as pain, urinary difficulties, and fatigue.

• Oral Administration: Taken by mouth, making it more convenient compared to injectable therapies.

• Non-Chemotherapy Option: Provides anti-cancer benefits without the harsh side effects typically associated with chemotherapy.

• Reduces Need for Additional Hormonal Therapy: May decrease the need for further hormone suppressing treatments.

• Effective in Both Hormone-Sensitive and Hormone-Resistant Cancer: Useful in various stages of advanced prostate cancer.

4. Side Effects

Like all medications, Zabpro 500mg Tablet may cause some side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are manageable with medical supervision.

Common Side Effects:

• High blood pressure

• Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)

• Fluid retention or swelling (especially in legs and feet)

• Increased liver enzymes

• Joint pain or muscle discomfort

• Fatigue or weakness

• Urinary tract infections

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Heart problems (irregular heartbeat, chest pain, heart failure)

• Liver toxicity

• Adrenal insufficiency (due to suppression of corticosteroid production)

• Severe allergic reactions

• Bone thinning (osteoporosis) with long-term use

Important Precautions:

• Liver function should be regularly monitored during treatment.

• Patients should maintain regular blood pressure and potassium level checks.

• It should not be taken with food as it may increase side effects.

• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets due to risk of harm to the fetus.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is Zabpro 500mg Tablet used for?
A: Zabpro is used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, especially when the cancer has spread and is either hormone-sensitive or resistant to standard hormonal treatments.

Q2. How does Zabpro (Abiraterone) work?
A: It blocks the enzyme CYP17, which is involved in the production of testosterone. By lowering testosterone levels, it slows the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Q3. Can Zabpro be taken with food?
A: No. It should be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal. Taking it with food can increase the risk of side effects.

Q4. Why is prednisone given with Zabpro?
A: Prednisone helps prevent side effects such as adrenal insufficiency and fluid retention that may be caused by Zabpro.

Q5. How long should Zabpro be taken?
A: The duration depends on your response to treatment and your doctor’s recommendations. It is often taken for an extended period as part of long-term cancer management.