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Abiraterone is an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor used in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. It is administered as abiraterone acetate, which the body converts to active abiraterone. Common abiraterone acetate products are used with a corticosteroid for metastatic prostate cancer. The exact approved indication, corticosteroid, dose, and food instructions depend on the specific abiraterone acetate product prescribed.
read more about abiraterone ...Abiraterone blocks CYP17, an enzyme needed to produce androgens in the testes, adrenal glands, and prostate tumor tissue. Lowering androgen production can reduce stimulation of androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells. Blocking CYP17 can also increase mineralocorticoid activity, which contributes to risks such as high blood pressure, low potassium, and fluid retention during treatment.
Standard abiraterone acetate tablets are approved with prednisone for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Other formulations have different approved regimens. Patients also continue a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog unless they have undergone bilateral orchiectomy. Treatment selection depends on the cancer type, prior therapy, liver function, other medicines, and prescribed formulation.
Abiraterone acetate is taken by mouth, but administration instructions differ between products. Standard tablets are taken once daily on an empty stomach with prednisone. Yonsa is taken once daily with or without food and is paired with methylprednisolone. Different abiraterone acetate products have different dosing and food effects, so patients should not switch formulations unless directed by their clinician.
Serious risks of abiraterone include high blood pressure, low potassium, fluid retention, liver injury, and adrenal insufficiency. Liver tests, potassium levels, blood pressure, and signs of fluid retention require regular monitoring. The medicine can also interact with other drugs and can harm a developing fetus. Severe weakness, swelling, irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or other concerning symptoms need medical assessment.
No. Abiraterone is an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor rather than a traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy drug. It works by reducing production of hormones that can stimulate prostate cancer.
Corticosteroid therapy is part of approved abiraterone regimens and helps counter hormonal effects linked to CYP17 inhibition. The prescribed corticosteroid depends on the abiraterone product.
It depends on the formulation. Standard abiraterone acetate tablets require an empty stomach, while Yonsa can be taken with or without food.
Yes. Abiraterone inhibits CYP17 and reduces androgen production, including testosterone. It is used alongside continued medical or surgical androgen-deprivation therapy.
Abiraterone. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a611046.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
Abiraterone Acetate. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/abirateroneacetate. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
DailyMed - ABIRATERONE ACETATE tablet, film coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=58b88e76-eba4-2471-e063-6394a90ad988. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
DailyMed - YONSA (abiraterone acetate) tablet. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b8967e10-f768-47ce-ac9e-2324c8390132. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.
DailyMed - ZYTIGA (abiraterone acetate) tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4e338e89-3cf2-48eb-b6e2-a06c608c6513. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.