Abiraterone has taken center stage in the treatment of prostate cancer, especially in cases where there is always some aggravation of the disease after initial hormone therapy. Being able to find as affordable treatment as possible is highly in demand today for people suffering from this illness in the Philippines. This could be understood from the fact that the "Abiraterone price in Philippines" is now becoming increasingly relevant; the cost for this important drug may determine for a patient either life-saving therapies or their unavailability.

What is Abiraterone?

Abiraterone is an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor; it is sold under the name of Zytiga. Most prostatic cancer cell growth and proliferation require the presence of androgens, which include testosterone. Abiraterone works to stop the synthesis of these hormones, leading to a slowed growth of prostate cancer. It inhibits an enzyme in the body called cytochrome P450 17A1, commonly known as CYP17A1, which is very important in manufacturing testosterone. This makes this mechanism particularly effective in advanced-stage prostate cancer that no longer responds to other hormone therapies.

Uses of Abiraterone

Abiraterone is used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Castration-resistant suggests that this form of cancer continues its growth even at drastically reduced testosterone levels, which might be surgically or chemically furthered. Abiraterone in combination with prednisone was found to improve survival rates and improve the quality of life for patients in these far stages of the disease.

In the recent years, Abiraterone has also been deemed effective among those patients diagnosed with newly diagnosed high-risk metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). This drug is versatile, making it an invaluable tool in the armamentarium for oncological treatment.
Abiraterone is conventionally taken by mouth in the pill formulation. The dosage that is prescribed is 1,000mg on a daily basis, mainly once daily while the stomach is empty. One must, however keenly adhere to the prescriptions given by the medical provider. They are supposed to avoid eating food for no less than two hours before and at least one hour after taking Abiraterone due to the fact that severe absorption of it makes the side effects severe.

Along with Abiraterone, the treatment also includes a corticosteroid called prednisone. This is utilized to improve some of the side effects resulting from Abiraterone, such as hypertension, fluid retention, and hypokalemia.

Side Effects and Risks

Like other drugs, Abiraterone presents several side effects: the most common are tiredness, joint pain, high blood pressure, and fluid retention. Some patients can also have abnormal liver function tests; blood tests must, therefore, be regularly performed to assess liver function.

More seriously, Abiraterone can result in cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or arrhythmias in patients, especially for those who have had a history of heart disease. This is the very reason why it's important for a physician to check the complete medical history of the patient before prescribing the medication.

Abiraterone Price in the Philippines

This is one of the crucial questions about the affordability of their treatment in relation to prostate cancer in the Philippines. The cost of Abiraterone can vary widely depending on several factors, including the brand, the dosage, and whether the patient is purchasing the drug through private pharmacies or government-subsidized programs.

In the Philippines, the cost of Abiraterone ranges between ₱40,000 to ₱100,000 monthly, depending on the dosage and treatment regimen. Although it may be relatively unaffordable, some patients can receive assistance through their health insurance provider, a government health program, or a pharmaceutical patient assistance program. Generic forms of Abiraterone have already been developed and made available in certain areas, which could also open up an alternative resource for these in need.

Accessibility and Support

For those patients whom the cost of Abiraterone is prohibitive, it is best to avail of the various support systems in the Philippines. PhilHealth covers some cancer treatment modalities, but the extent of this coverage might be variable per policy and among different health care service providers. Besides, other non-government organizations and cancer advocacy groups may also offer financial assistance or guide a patient on how to weave through the complexities of affording cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Abiraterone has changed the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, bringing hope to patients whose disease has gone beyond first and second line treatments. But the price of Abiraterone in the Philippines remains to be a barrier to the said treatment. More awareness on the presence of these support programs and on generic availability aside from more patient-doctor partnerships in finding affordable alternatives, is key. The right resources will ensure that this life-prolonging treatment is accessed by more patients in the Philippines, hence improving their quality of life in combating prostate cancer.

• Mohsin beg
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