Abiraterone acetate

Brand Names

Zytiga

What is Abiraterone acetate

Abiraterone acetate (Zytiga) is a prescription medication that refers to a class of medications called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body. This medication is effective for the treatment of certain types of prostate cancer that has metastasized (spread to other parts of the body), sometimes called advanced or late-stage prostate cancer. It should be used in combination with prednisone.

Side effects of Abiraterone acetate

Abiraterone common side effects may include:

• joint swelling or pain
• hot flashes (a sudden wave of mild or intense body heat)
• diarrhea
• heartburn

If you have noticed any of these serious side effects, inform your doctor as soon as possible:

• 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

Indication

Abiraterone is used combined with another medication (prednisone) in order 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). It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body.

Precautions

You should inform your doctor before taking abiraterone if you have/are:

• Heart problems, including heart failure
• An abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Had a recent heart attack
• Liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure
• A history of problems with your adrenal or pituitary gland
• Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Taking any other medicines, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements

Dosage forms

Abiraterone dose for Prostate Cancer

The standard abiraterone dose for late-stage prostate cancer is 1000 mg once a day, in combination with prednisone 5 mg twice a day.

The standard abiraterone dosage for late-stage prostate cancer in people with moderate liver impairment is 250 mg once a day. This medicine is not recommended for use in people with severe liver impairment.

If liver damage occurs during treatment with this medication, treatment should be temporarily stopped until liver function tests return to normal. At that time, abiraterone may be restarted at 750 mg once a day. If liver damage recurs, the drug should be stopped until liver function improves, and restarted at 500 mg once a day. Abiraterone should be discontinued permanently if liver damage occurs at the 500-mg dosage.