Abiraterone: What It Is and How It Works

Abiraterone is a pill doctors give to men with advanced prostate cancer. It blocks a chemical called CYP17, which the body needs to make testosterone. Less testosterone means the cancer grows slower because prostate tumors rely on that hormone. Think of it as turning down the gas on a car that’s speeding out of control.

When Doctors Prescribe Abiraterone

Most men start abiraterone after other hormone therapies stop working. It’s also used when the cancer has spread to bones or other organs. Your doctor will check blood tests, liver function, and overall health before writing the script. If you have liver disease, heart problems, or low potassium, they may adjust the plan or choose a different drug.

How to Take It Safely

Take the tablet on an empty stomach – at least one hour before or two hours after eating. The usual dose is 1000 mg (four 250 mg pills) once a day, plus a low‑dose steroid called prednisone (5 mg twice daily). The steroid helps prevent high blood pressure, low potassium, and fluid buildup that abiraterone can cause.

Set a daily alarm, keep the pills in a pillbox, and never skip the steroid. Missing prednisone can lead to serious side effects fast. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one – then just skip the missed one.

Watch for side effects. The most common are fatigue, joint aches, high blood pressure, and low potassium (hypokalemia). If you feel dizzy, notice swelling in your ankles, or get a sudden loss of appetite, call your doctor right away. Blood work every 2–4 weeks at the start helps catch problems early.

Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies. Salt intake should be moderate – too much can worsen fluid retention. If you’re on a low‑potassium diet, talk to a nutritionist about safe foods or supplements.

Drug interactions matter. Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole or certain antibiotics, because they can raise abiraterone levels and increase toxicity. Grapefruit juice has a similar effect, so skip it while you’re on the medication.

Finally, keep your appointments. Your doctor will track PSA levels (a prostate cancer marker) and imaging scans to see if the drug is doing its job. If PSA keeps rising, it may be time to switch treatments.

Bottom line: abiraterone can give you more time and better quality of life when you follow the dosing schedule, monitor side effects, and stay in touch with your healthcare team. Ask questions, stay organized, and you’ll get the most out of this therapy.