Abiraterone Acetate
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Abiraterone Acetate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands
Abiraterone Acetate is an oral prescription medicine used to treat certain types of advanced prostate cancer. It belongs to a class of medicines called CYP17 inhibitors and works by reducing the production of androgens, including testosterone, which can stimulate prostate cancer growth.
Abiraterone Acetate is commonly prescribed with prednisone or prednisolone and ongoing androgen deprivation therapy, according to the patient’s condition and treatment plan.
This guide explains its medical uses, mechanism of action, dosage, possible side effects, precautions and available brands.
Abiraterone Acetate Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic name | Abiraterone Acetate |
| Drug class | CYP17 inhibitor |
| Therapeutic category | Oncology |
| Primary treatment area | Prostate Cancer |
| Dosage form | Oral tablet |
| Common strengths | 250 mg, 500 mg |
| Route | Oral |
| Originator brand | Zytiga |
| Other US brand | Yonsa |
| Prescription required | Yes |
What Is Abiraterone Acetate?
Abiraterone Acetate is a hormone-targeting cancer medicine used in the management of metastatic prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer cells often depend on androgens, such as testosterone, to grow. Even when conventional androgen deprivation therapy lowers testosterone production in the testes, androgen production can continue in other tissues and within tumors.
Abiraterone helps suppress this additional androgen production.
How Does Abiraterone Acetate Work?
Abiraterone Acetate is converted in the body into abiraterone, which inhibits an enzyme called CYP17A1.
This enzyme is involved in androgen production in the testes, adrenal glands and prostate tumor tissue.
By inhibiting CYP17A1, Abiraterone reduces androgen synthesis and can help control the growth of androgen-dependent prostate cancer.
Abiraterone is generally used alongside continued medical or surgical castration.
Approved Medical Uses of Abiraterone Acetate
1. Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)
Abiraterone Acetate, in combination with prednisone, is approved in the United States for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
This is prostate cancer that continues to progress despite treatment that reduces testosterone to castrate levels.
2. Metastatic High-Risk Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mCSPC)
Abiraterone Acetate is also approved with prednisone for metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer.
This form of prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate but remains responsive to treatments that suppress androgen activity.
The precise indications and treatment combinations may vary between countries.
Abiraterone Acetate Dosage and Administration
For standard Abiraterone Acetate tablets, US prescribing information describes the following regimens:
| Indication | Abiraterone dose | Prednisone dose |
|---|---|---|
| Metastatic CRPC | 1,000 mg once daily | 5 mg twice daily |
| Metastatic high-risk CSPC | 1,000 mg once daily | 5 mg once daily |
These are standard label regimens, not personalized treatment instructions.
Important Administration Instructions
- Standard Abiraterone Acetate tablets must be taken on an empty stomach.
- Do not eat for at least two hours before taking the medicine or for at least one hour afterward.
- Swallow tablets whole with water.
- Do not crush or chew tablets.
- Follow the prescribed corticosteroid regimen.
- Do not change the dose without medical advice.
Different Abiraterone formulations, including Yonsa, are not necessarily interchangeable and may have different dosing and food instructions.
Side Effects of Abiraterone Acetate
Like other cancer medicines, Abiraterone Acetate may cause side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Joint pain or swelling
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention
- Hot flushes
- Diarrhea
- Low potassium levels
- Elevated liver enzymes
Serious Side Effects
Important risks include:
Liver injury: Abiraterone may cause significant liver enzyme elevations and, rarely, serious liver injury.
Low potassium: Reduced potassium levels can contribute to muscle weakness and potentially dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.
Fluid retention and cardiovascular complications: Patients may experience worsening hypertension, swelling or heart-related complications.
Adrenal insufficiency: Inadequate corticosteroid coverage or physiological stress may increase the risk of adrenal problems.
Patients should seek prompt medical advice for concerning symptoms and urgent care for severe symptoms.
Warnings and Precautions
Liver Function Monitoring
Liver function tests are required before treatment and periodically during therapy. Dose modifications or discontinuation may be necessary if liver injury occurs.
Blood Pressure and Potassium Monitoring
Blood pressure, serum potassium and signs of fluid retention should be monitored regularly.
Drug Interactions
Abiraterone can interact with medicines affecting CYP3A4 and with certain medicines metabolized by CYP2D6 or CYP2C8.
Patients should provide their healthcare professional with a complete list of prescription medicines, nonprescription products and supplements.
Pregnancy and Reproductive Precautions
Abiraterone Acetate may harm a developing fetus. It is not indicated for use in women. Patients should follow the reproductive safety and handling instructions in the official product labeling.
Other Important Precautions
Abiraterone is not recommended for patients with severe baseline liver impairment. Its combination with radium Ra 223 dichloride is not recommended because of increased risks observed in clinical studies.
Available Abiraterone Acetate Products at DrMeds.org
The following products are currently listed in the DrMeds catalog:
| Product | Strength | Dosage form |
|---|---|---|
| Abiraxen | 250 mg | Tablet |
| Abiron | 250 mg | Tablet |
Visit the individual product pages for available manufacturer information, packaging details and medicine enquiry options.
All prescription medicine enquiries are subject to prescription verification, product availability and applicable regulations.
Abiraterone Acetate Brand Names
Abiraterone Acetate is marketed under different brand names.
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| Zytiga | Originator Abiraterone Acetate product |
| Yonsa | Different Abiraterone formulation with specific dosing instructions |
| Abiraxen | Listed in the DrMeds catalog |
| Abiron | Listed in the DrMeds catalog |
Brand availability and regulatory authorization vary by country. Products should not be substituted without professional verification of formulation and dosing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Abiraterone Acetate used for?
Abiraterone Acetate is used with corticosteroid treatment for certain types of metastatic prostate cancer, including castration-resistant and high-risk castration-sensitive disease.
2. Is Abiraterone Acetate chemotherapy?
No. Abiraterone Acetate is a hormonal therapy that inhibits androgen production rather than a conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy medicine.
3. Why is Abiraterone given with prednisone?
Abiraterone can alter adrenal steroid production. Prednisone helps reduce the risk of certain hormone-related complications, including mineralocorticoid excess.
4. What are the common side effects?
Common side effects include fatigue, joint discomfort, hypertension, fluid retention and low potassium levels.
5. Should Abiraterone Acetate be taken with food?
Standard Abiraterone Acetate tablets must be taken on an empty stomach. Food can significantly increase drug exposure. Other formulations may have different instructions.
6. How can I enquire about Abiraterone Acetate at DrMeds?
Visitors can review the Abiraterone products listed at DrMeds.org and submit a product enquiry. Prescription verification and applicable legal requirements apply.
Related Molecules
Related prostate cancer therapies include:
- Enzalutamide
- Apalutamide
- Darolutamide
These medicines have different indications, contraindications and treatment considerations. They should not be considered interchangeable.
Medical References
- National Cancer Institute. Abiraterone Acetate — Drug Information. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/abirateroneacetate
- DailyMed. Abiraterone Acetate Tablets — US Prescribing Information, revised April 2026. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=5108c2fe-9706-c976-e063-6294a90a796d&type=display
- European Medicines Agency. Zytiga — Product Information. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/zytiga-epar-product-information_en.pdf
- DailyMed. Zytiga (Abiraterone Acetate) — Official Product Labeling. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=4e338e89-3cf2-48eb-b6e2-a06c608c6513
Editorial Information
Prepared by: DrMeds Editorial Team
Draft prepared: 2 November 2026
Medical review: Pending qualified professional review
Medical Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing prescription medicines.