Abiraterone is used in combination with another medication (prednisone) to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in men who have not been helped by other treatments including docetaxel (Docefrez, Taxotere). Abiraterone is in a class of medications called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body.
Abiraterone comes as a tablet to take by mouth on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating any food. It is usually taken once a day. Take abiraterone at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take abiraterone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed 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.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If you miss one dose, take your regular dose the next day. If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor right away.
joint swelling or pain
hot flashes (a sudden wave of mild or intense body heat)
diarrhea
heartburn
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
unusual bruising or bleeding
extreme tiredness
lack of energy
nausea
loss of appetite
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
yellowing of the skin or eyes
flu-like symptoms
difficult, painful or frequent urination
Abiraterone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to abiraterone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 04/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.