Other Brand Names

Zytiga, Birato, Abirone, Abiranat.

How It Works

Abiraterone is a medication primarily used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It functions by reducing the production of testosterone, which is part of the androgen hormone group. This is achieved by inhibiting a specific enzyme that is active in the tumor tissue found in the testicles, adrenal glands, and prostate. This enzyme is responsible for producing androgen hormones.

In the case of prostate cancer, androgens contribute to the growth of not just healthy cells but also cancerous cells. Therefore, by limiting the production of testosterone, abiraterone aims to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Indications

Abiraterone is commonly prescribed for advanced prostate cancer, including cases where the cancer has spread (metastatic cancer, originated from prostate gland and spread to other organs) or when it is progressing despite other treatments.

Contraindications

Abiraterone should not be used in individuals with the following conditions:

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to abiraterone (such as hives or swelling around the eyes)

• Severe liver disorders

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Side Effects

Although side effects are generally rare, some people may experience the following:

• Discomfort in joints or muscles

• Red spots or rashes on the skin

• Diarrhea

• Tiredness or fatigue

• Heart palpitations

• Pain in the chest or upper abdomen

• Cough

• Frequent urination at night

• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)

• High triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia)

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Anemia (lack of red blood cells)

• Sexual dysfunction

Types

Abiraterone is available in 250 mg tablets and 500 mg film-coated tablets.

Dosage

The typical recommended dosage for adults is 1000 mg once a day. It is advised to take the medication two hours after a large meal and wait one hour before eating again. It is commonly recommended to take abiraterone alongside low-dose prednisone or prednisolone.

Safety

Pregnancy:

Abiraterone is classified as FDA Category X. This means there is clear evidence from both animal and human studies that the drug can cause fetal abnormalities, showing risks to fetus from investigation or marketing researches. The risks are bigger than the health benefit potential. Therefore, it is strictly not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 Enzyme Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole)

If abiraterone is used in conjunction with ketoconazole, a known CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitor, it may reduce the effectiveness of abiraterone in treating prostate cancer.

Strong CYP3A4 Enzyme Inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifabutin, rifapentine, phenobarbital)

When abiraterone is taken alongside any of the above medications, it can lower the blood concentration of abiraterone. Therefore, combining these drugs with abiraterone requires close medical supervision.

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