Drug Notes

Abiraterone (By mouth)

Abiraterone Acetate (a-bir-A-ter-one AS-e-tate)

Treats prostate cancer. This medicine is given with prednisone.

Brand Name(s):

Zytiga

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not eat 2 hours before or 1 hour after you take this medicine.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take your normal dose on the following day. If you miss more than one dose, call your doctor right away.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how abiraterone works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine
  • Dextromethorphan
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Pioglitazone
  • Rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine
  • Thioridazine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not touch this medicine without wearing gloves.
• This medicine may cause birth defects if a man is using it when his partner becomes pregnant. Use a condom plus another form of birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while you are taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a history of adrenal problems, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or recently had a heart attack.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High blood pressure
  • Low potassium levels
  • Adrenal problems
  • Liver problems
• Do not stop using this medicine even for a short time without asking your doctor.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You will need to have your blood pressure measured before you begin to take this medicine and while you are taking it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, weight loss
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in how much or how often you urinate, difficult or painful urination, red or pink urine
• Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
• Diarrhea or upset stomach
• Joint or muscle pain, weakness, or swelling
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017