Abiraterone is a medicine mainly used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is usually given together with a steroid such as prednisone.
Main uses of Abiraterone
It is used for:
- Metastatic prostate cancer — cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
- Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) — prostate cancer that continues growing even after testosterone-lowering treatment
- Castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC) — prostate cancer that still responds to hormone therapy
How the drug works
Prostate cancer cells often need testosterone and other male hormones (androgens) to grow.
Abiraterone blocks an enzyme called CYP17, which the body uses to produce testosterone. By lowering hormone production, the drug helps slow or stop cancer growth.
How it is taken
- Usually taken once daily
- Often on an empty stomach
- Given together with prednisone/prednisolone to reduce side effects
Common side effects
Some common side effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Low potassium
- Swelling of legs/feet
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Hot flashes
- Liver problems
- Increased blood sugar
Important monitoring
Patients taking Abiraterone usually need:
- Liver function tests
- Blood pressure checks
- Potassium monitoring
- Blood sugar monitoring in diabetics