abiraterone

What is the most important information I should know about abiraterone?

What is abiraterone?

Abiraterone works by reducing androgen production in the body. Androgens are male hormones that can promote tumor growth in the prostate gland.

Abiraterone is used together with steroid medication (prednisone or methylprednisolone) to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This medicine is used in men whose prostate cancer cannot be treated with surgery or other medicines.

Abiraterone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking abiraterone?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• heart problems, high blood pressure;
• a heart attack;
• low levels of potassium in your blood; or
• problems with your adrenal gland or pituitary gland.

Abiraterone is not for use by women or children.

Abiraterone can also harm an unborn baby if the father is taking this medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy.

Use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.

Use a condom if your sex partner is pregnant.

How should I take abiraterone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Abiraterone is usually taken once per day while also taking a steroid 1 or 2 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Your prednisone or methylprednisolone dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, or are under stress. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.

You may take Yonsa with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests.

You should not stop using abiraterone or your steroid medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your prednisone dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take the medicine the following day. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking abiraterone?

Avoid eating for at least 2 hours before you take Zytiga and for at least 1 hour after your dose. Food can increase the amount of Zytiga your body absorbs.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.

What are the possible side effects of abiraterone?

• swelling in your ankles or feet, pain in your legs;
• shortness of breath;
• pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine;
• fast heartbeats;
• headache, confusion;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• muscle weakness; or
• liver problems --stomach pain (upper right side), nausea, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

• indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• painful or difficult urination;
• swelling in your legs or feet;
• feeling weak, feeling very hot;
• muscle pain;
• abnormal blood tests;
• joint pain or swelling;
• bruising; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect abiraterone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other prostate cancer medicines, especially radium Ra 223 (Xofigo).

Other drugs may affect abiraterone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about abiraterone.