Created at:1/13/2025
Abiraterone is a targeted cancer medication that helps fight advanced prostate cancer by blocking testosterone production. This oral medication works by stopping your body from making hormones that fuel certain types of prostate cancer cells, essentially starving the cancer of what it needs to grow.
If you or a loved one has been prescribed abiraterone, you're likely dealing with advanced prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. This can feel overwhelming, but understanding how this medication works can help you feel more prepared and confident about your treatment journey.
Abiraterone is a hormone therapy medication specifically designed to treat metastatic prostate cancer. The "micronized" form simply means the medication has been processed into very small particles that your body can absorb more easily and effectively.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. Think of it as a highly specialized tool that targets the specific pathways cancer cells use to fuel their growth. Unlike chemotherapy that affects many different types of cells, abiraterone focuses specifically on hormone-producing pathways.
The medication comes as oral tablets that you take by mouth, making it more convenient than treatments that require hospital visits for infusions. This allows you to maintain more of your normal routine while receiving effective cancer treatment.
Abiraterone is primarily used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This means prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of your body and continues growing even when testosterone levels are very low.
Your doctor might prescribe abiraterone if your prostate cancer has progressed despite other hormone therapies or surgical removal of testosterone-producing tissue. It's often used when cancer has spread to bones, lymph nodes, or other organs, and conventional treatments are no longer controlling the disease effectively.
In some cases, doctors also prescribe abiraterone for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer alongside other treatments. This approach helps prevent the cancer from becoming resistant to hormone therapy and can extend the time before the disease progresses.
Abiraterone works by blocking an enzyme called CYP17A1, which your body uses to make testosterone and other androgens. Prostate cancer cells typically depend on these hormones to survive and multiply, so cutting off their supply can slow or stop cancer growth.
This medication is considered a strong and effective treatment option for advanced prostate cancer. It blocks hormone production not just in your testicles, but also in your adrenal glands and within cancer cells themselves. This comprehensive approach makes it harder for cancer cells to find the hormones they need.
The medication typically begins working within a few weeks, though you might not feel immediate changes. Your doctor will monitor your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels and other blood markers to track how well the treatment is working for you.
Take abiraterone exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically once daily on an empty stomach. This means you should take it at least one hour before eating or two hours after eating, as food can significantly increase how much medication your body absorbs.
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, break, or chew the tablets, as this can affect how the medication is released in your body. Taking it at the same time each day helps maintain consistent levels of the drug in your system.
You'll also need to take prednisone or prednisolone alongside abiraterone. This steroid medication helps prevent side effects related to hormone changes and is an essential part of your treatment regimen. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose and schedule for both medications.
You'll typically continue taking abiraterone as long as it's controlling your cancer and you're tolerating it well. This could be months or even years, depending on how your body responds to the treatment.
Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular blood tests, imaging scans, and physical exams. If your PSA levels start rising consistently or scans show cancer progression, your doctor might adjust your treatment plan or switch to different medications.
Some people take abiraterone for extended periods with good results, while others may need to change treatments sooner. Your individual response will guide how long you continue with this medication, and your healthcare team will work with you to make the best decisions for your situation.
Like all cancer medications, abiraterone can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are manageable, and your healthcare team will monitor you closely to address any issues that arise.
The most common side effects you might experience include fatigue, joint pain, swelling in your legs or feet, hot flashes, and diarrhea. These effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication, and there are ways to manage them effectively.
More serious but less common side effects can include liver problems, high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and heart rhythm changes. Your doctor will check your blood regularly to catch these issues early. Some men also experience muscle weakness, bone pain, or changes in blood sugar levels.
Rarely, abiraterone can cause severe liver damage, heart problems, or dangerous drops in blood pressure. This is why regular monitoring is so important. If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, severe fatigue, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Abiraterone is not suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully evaluate whether it's right for you. People with severe liver disease typically cannot take this medication, as it can worsen liver problems.
If you have a history of heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or certain heart rhythm disorders, your doctor will need to weigh the benefits against the risks carefully. The medication can affect your heart and blood pressure, so these conditions require special monitoring.
Women who are pregnant or might become pregnant should not handle abiraterone tablets, as the medication can harm a developing baby. Men taking abiraterone should use effective birth control if their partner can become pregnant, as the medication can be present in semen.
Your doctor will also consider other medications you're taking, as abiraterone can interact with blood thinners, certain heart medications, and other drugs that affect liver function.
Abiraterone is available under several brand names, with Zytiga being the most well-known original brand. This was the first FDA-approved version of abiraterone acetate and is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
Generic versions of abiraterone are now available from various manufacturers, which can make the medication more affordable. These generic versions contain the same active ingredient and work the same way as the brand-name medication.
Your pharmacy might stock different brands or generic versions, but they're all essentially the same medication. If you have questions about which version you're receiving, your pharmacist can explain the differences and help ensure you're getting the most cost-effective option.
If abiraterone isn't right for you or stops working, several other treatment options are available for advanced prostate cancer. Enzalutamide (Xtandi) is another hormone therapy that works differently but targets similar pathways.
Docetaxel chemotherapy is often used for metastatic prostate cancer, either alone or in combination with hormone therapies. Newer treatments like radium-223 (Xofigo) can be helpful if cancer has spread to bones, while sipuleucel-T (Provenge) is an immunotherapy option.
Your doctor might also consider clinical trials of experimental treatments, especially if standard therapies aren't working well. The landscape of prostate cancer treatment continues to evolve, with new medications and combinations being developed regularly.
Both abiraterone and enzalutamide are effective treatments for advanced prostate cancer, but they work in slightly different ways. Abiraterone blocks hormone production, while enzalutamide blocks how cancer cells use hormones that are already present.
Research shows that both medications can extend survival and improve quality of life for men with metastatic prostate cancer. The choice between them often depends on your specific situation, other health conditions, and how you respond to treatment.
Some people do better with one medication than the other, and your doctor will consider factors like your current health, other medications you're taking, and potential side effects when making recommendations. Both are considered first-line treatments for advanced prostate cancer.
Q1:Q1. Is Abiraterone Safe for People with Heart Disease?
Abiraterone can be used in people with heart disease, but it requires careful monitoring and management. The medication can affect blood pressure and heart rhythm, so your cardiologist and oncologist will need to work together to ensure your safety.
Your doctor will likely monitor your heart more closely, check your blood pressure regularly, and might adjust other heart medications you're taking. Many people with heart conditions can still benefit from abiraterone treatment when properly supervised.
Q2:Q2. What Should I Do if I Accidentally Take Too Much Abiraterone?
If you accidentally take more abiraterone than prescribed, contact your doctor or poison control center immediately. Taking too much can increase your risk of serious side effects, particularly liver problems and heart rhythm changes.
Don't wait to see if you feel okay. Even if you don't notice immediate symptoms, an overdose can cause delayed effects that need medical attention. Your healthcare team can advise you on what to watch for and whether you need immediate medical care.
Q3:Q3. What Should I Do if I Miss a Dose of Abiraterone?
If you miss a dose of abiraterone, take it as soon as you remember, but only if it's been less than 12 hours since your scheduled dose time. If it's been longer than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose, as this can increase your risk of side effects. If you frequently forget doses, consider setting phone reminders or using a pill organizer to help you stay on track.
Q4:Q4. When Can I Stop Taking Abiraterone?
You should only stop taking abiraterone when your doctor advises you to do so. This typically happens if the cancer progresses despite treatment, if you develop serious side effects, or if your doctor recommends switching to a different treatment approach.
Never stop taking abiraterone suddenly without medical supervision, as this can allow your cancer to progress more quickly. Your doctor will monitor your condition regularly and discuss any changes to your treatment plan with you.
Q5:Q5. Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Abiraterone?
It's best to limit alcohol consumption while taking abiraterone, as both alcohol and the medication can affect your liver. Occasional, moderate drinking is usually okay, but you should discuss this with your doctor based on your individual situation.
If you have any liver problems or take other medications that affect the liver, your doctor might recommend avoiding alcohol completely. Your healthcare team can provide personalized guidance based on your overall health and treatment plan.