Abiraterone acetate

Why is abiraterone acetate prescribed?

Abiraterone is used in combination with prednisone to treat a certain type of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Abiraterone is in a class of medications called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body.

How should this medicine be used?

A pill form of abiraterone is available to be taken orally with water on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after consuming any food. Typically, it is taken once or twice a day. Take abiraterone every day at roughly the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Take abiraterone as prescribed by your doctor. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole with water; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Continue to take abiraterone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking abiraterone or prednisone without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

Before taking abiraterone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to abiraterone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in abiraterone tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: dextromethorphan; certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); ketoconazole; nefazodone; pioglitazone (Actos); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, in Rifamate, in Rifater, Rimactane); rifapentine (Priftin); and thioridazine. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with abiraterone, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
• tell your doctor if you have an infection, a low level of potassium in your blood, or are experiencing unusual stress, have had a recent heart attack, or if you have or have ever had adrenal or pituitary gland problems, heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, including QT prolongation (an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to fainting, loss of consciousness, seizures, or sudden death), high blood pressure, or heart or liver disease.
• you should know that abiraterone is only for use in men. Women should not take this medication, especially if they are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If taken by pregnant women, abiraterone may harm the fetus. Women who are, could become, or may be pregnant should not touch abiraterone tablets without protective gloves. If a pregnant woman takes or touches abiraterone tablets, she should call her doctor immediately.
• men with a female partner taking abiraterone must use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 weeks after the final dose. Talk to your doctor about the types of birth control that are right for you.
• you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking abiraterone.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss one dose, take your regular dose the next day. If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor right away.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Abiraterone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• joint swelling or pain
• groin pain
• hot flashes (a sudden wave of mild or intense body heat)
• diarrhea
• heartburn
• cough
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• dizziness
• feeling faint or lightheaded
• headache
• confusion
• fast or irregular heartbeats
• muscle weakness or aches
• leg pain
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• rash
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• extreme tiredness
• lack of energy
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms such as fever
• blood in urine
• difficult, painful, or frequent urination
• bone fracture

Abiraterone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

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• February 12th, 2023