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Abiraterone Tablet

Abiraterone is a drug given to patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer. It works by decreasing the amount of androgens in your body and is usually given with prednisolone.

What is this medication used for

Abiraterone is a drug given to patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

It works by decreasing the amount of androgens in your body and is usually given with prednisolone.

Dosage and How to Use

It is a tablet that you take by mouth. You may take it with a glass of water or juice. It is taken once daily while prednisolone is taken twice daily.

Abiraterone should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.

Missed a Dose

If you miss a dose of Abiraterone, take it as soon as you can if it is within 12 hours of the missed dose. If it is over 12 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing. Do not double the dose.

Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindication

What are the side effects of Abiraterone?

Joint and muscle pain and weakness

Swelling of the leg or feet

Hot flushes

Headache, giddiness

Diarrhea or heartburn

High blood pressure

Your blood pressure should be monitored closely. Discuss a proper follow-up plan with your physician.

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Excessive giddiness, weakness, light-headedness or confusion

Severe headache

Severe muscle or joint pain

Severe leg or feet swelling

Fast or irregular heartbeat

Fever (>37.5°C) accompanied by flu-like symptoms

Pain on urination

Other precautions:

Use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 1 week after stopping treatment.

Women of child-bearing potential should wear gloves while handling this medication

Inform your physician or pharmacist if you are on any other medications (e.g. warfarin)

Inform your physician or pharmacist if you have any other medical conditions (e.g. heart problems, high blood pressure)

Handling and Storage

Store Abiraterone tablets out of the reach of children, at room temperature, away from heat, light and moisture.

Additional Information

Other name: Zytiga^®

If you have any questions, please call your pharmacist at the National Cancer Centre. The side effects listed above are those that occur frequently. Other side effects may occur. Please contact your doctor to report.

Disclaimer: The National Cancer Centre Singapore does not endorse or promote the use of any product mentioned in this booklet. The information is presented in a summary to provide an understanding and for knowledge only, and may not contain information about all aspects of care. It does not recommend self-management of health problems or replace consultation with your doctor. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read in this booklet.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

Document No. PHM-MED-PEM-055/0916