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Abiraterone: Key Treatment for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Summary of Key Points
Abiraterone is a prescription medication used to treat various types of prostate cancer, including advanced and metastatic forms. It works by lowering androgen (male hormone) levels, which fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. Abiraterone is typically prescribed alongside other treatments, such as steroids. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose. You may also consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with us for personalized care.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Zytiga
Abiraterone is the generic name. The generic name refers to the active ingredient in the medication, which remains the same in both brand-name and generic versions. The generic name is listed in parentheses.
Pharmacologic Category
Antiandrogen Agent
Androgen Biosynthesis Inhibitor
Abiraterone Dosage
Abiraterone is used to treat multiple forms of prostate cancer. The dosage may vary depending on the specific type of cancer and other individual factors. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and consult them before making any changes to your dose. If you have questions, consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers.
Prostate Cancer (Advanced, Metastatic, Hormone-Sensitive, Castration-Resistant)
Recommended Dose: 1,000 mg (four 250 mg tablets) taken orally once daily.
Frequency: Once daily.
Length of Treatment: The duration of treatment is determined by your healthcare provider based on your response to therapy.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (Non-Metastatic, Recurrent, Androgen-Dependent)
Recommended Dose: 1,000 mg taken orally once daily, in combination with prednisone 5 mg twice daily.
Frequency: Once daily.
Length of Treatment: As prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically for long-term use.
Stage IV Prostate Cancer
Recommended Dose: 1,000 mg taken orally once daily, with prednisone 5 mg twice daily.
Frequency: Once daily.
Length of Treatment: Treatment duration is based on your doctor’s recommendation and your response to the medication.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Tablets: 250 mg
Tablets: 500 mg
Administration Instructions for Abiraterone
Abiraterone should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Swallow the tablets whole with water; do not crush or chew them. It is important to take Abiraterone at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses at once. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for use.
Abiraterone Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Like all medications, Abiraterone can cause side effects. Some are more common, while others are rare but potentially serious. If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with us for further guidance.
Common Side Effects of Abiraterone
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
- Joint pain: Discomfort or pain in your joints.
- High blood pressure: Increased blood pressure that may require monitoring or medication.
- Low potassium levels: This can cause muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heartbeats.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
- Liver problems: Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue.
- Heart problems: This can include chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in your legs.
- Adrenal insufficiency: This can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting.
Contraindications for Abiraterone
A contraindication is a specific situation where a medication should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. In the case of Abiraterone, there are several situations where taking this medication is not recommended.
- Severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C): Abiraterone is processed by the liver, and in patients with severe liver problems, the medication can accumulate in the body, leading to toxicity.
- Pregnancy: Abiraterone can cause harm to an unborn baby. It is not intended for use in women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
- Allergic reactions: If you have had a previous allergic reaction to Abiraterone or any of its components, you should not take this medication.
If you have any of these conditions, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Our telemedicine providers are available to help you determine the safest treatment options for your condition.
Drug-to-Drug Interactions with Abiraterone
Abiraterone can interact with other medications, which may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Below are some medications that may interact with Abiraterone:
- Rifampin (Rifadin): This antibiotic can decrease the effectiveness of Abiraterone by increasing its breakdown in the liver.
- Phenytoin (Dilantin): A seizure medication that can reduce the levels of Abiraterone in your body, making it less effective.
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Another seizure medication that can lower Abiraterone levels in the blood.
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral): An antifungal medication that can increase the levels of Abiraterone in your body, potentially leading to side effects.
- Warfarin (Coumadin): Abiraterone can increase the effects of blood thinners like warfarin, raising the risk of bleeding.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you are unsure, our telemedicine team can review your medications and provide guidance.
Abiraterone in Pregnancy
Is it safe to take Abiraterone when pregnant?
No, Abiraterone is not safe during pregnancy. This medication, also known as Abiraterone acetate, is specifically designed for men with prostate cancer and can cause serious harm to an unborn baby if taken by a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to avoid handling Abiraterone tablets without protective gloves, as even skin contact can be dangerous. If you have any concerns, please consult one of our healthcare providers through telemedicine for guidance.
Abiraterone while Breastfeeding
Is it safe to take Abiraterone while breastfeeding?
No, Abiraterone is not safe while breastfeeding. Although this medication is not intended for women, there is a potential risk that it could pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. If you have any questions about medications while breastfeeding, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure the safety of your child.
Estimated Cost of Abiraterone
The cost of a 30-day supply of Abiraterone can vary depending on the pharmacy and your location. Without insurance, the estimated cost using a GoodRX coupon ranges from approximately $2,500 to $3,000 for a 30-day supply. Prices may fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check with your pharmacy or use a discount service like GoodRX to find the best available price.
Possible Alternatives to Abiraterone
For patients who cannot take Abiraterone or are exploring alternative treatments, several options are available. It’s essential to discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Our telemedicine team is also available to help you explore these options and find the best approach for your condition.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Alternatives
Prostate cancer: Alternatives may include other hormone therapies such as Enzalutamide (Xtandi) or chemotherapy options like Docetaxel (Taxotere). Additionally, lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can support your overall health during treatment.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Alternatives
Castration-resistant prostate cancer: In addition to Abiraterone, treatments like Apalutamide (Erleada) or Enzalutamide (Xtandi) may be considered. Other options include radiation therapy or participation in clinical trials exploring new therapies.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Metastatic prostate cancer: Chemotherapy with Docetaxel (Taxotere) or Cabazitaxel (Jevtana) may be viable alternatives. Immunotherapy with Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) is another potential option for some patients.
Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Alternatives
Hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) using medications like Leuprolide (Lupron) or surgical castration may be considered as alternative treatments.
Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Advanced prostate cancer: In addition to Abiraterone, other treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or participation in clinical trials that are testing new treatments.
Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Alternatives
Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Medications such as Apalutamide (Erleada) and Enzalutamide (Xtandi) may be considered as alternatives.
Recurrent Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Recurrent prostate cancer: Depending on the specifics of the recurrence, radiation therapy or additional hormone therapy may be recommended to manage the condition.
Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer Alternatives
Androgen-dependent prostate cancer: Hormone therapies like Leuprolide (Lupron) or Goserelin (Zoladex) may be used to lower androgen levels and slow the progression of the disease.
Stage IV Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Stage IV prostate cancer: Treatment options may include a combination of hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life may also be an important part of the treatment plan.
Recent Updates on Abiraterone Research
Recent studies continue to investigate the benefits of Abiraterone in combination with other treatments for advanced prostate cancer. For example, ongoing research is exploring the use of Abiraterone alongside immunotherapy to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Additionally, studies are examining the potential for earlier use of Abiraterone in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer to delay disease progression.
While these studies are promising, treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. If you have questions about the latest research or how it may apply to your treatment, our telemedicine providers are available to help guide you through your options.
