Abiraterone (Zytiga®) is a new type of hormone therapy for men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (advanced prostate cancer) and has stopped responding to other hormone therapy treatments. It may help some men to live longer. It can also help control symptoms.
Abiraterone is suitable for men with advanced prostate cancer that has stopped responding to other types of hormone therapy, but who haven't yet had chemotherapy.
If you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you should be able to have abiraterone before chemotherapy.
Abiraterone is also suitable for men whose cancer has stopped responding to other types of hormone therapy and chemotherapy, such as docetaxel. Abiraterone is available for these men on the NHS.
But if you’ve already had enzalutamide as well as chemotherapy, abiraterone is not widely available.
Ask your doctor or nurse whether abiraterone is suitable for you. You can also speak to our Specialist Nurses.
If you're having trouble getting abiraterone, even though your doctor thinks it is suitable for you, please let us know.
Abiraterone works by stopping the production of the hormone testosterone. Without testosterone, the cancer cells can't grow, wherever they are in the body.
Abiraterone is taken as tablets. You will usually take 4 tablets once a day, although this can vary depending on what your doctor suggests. Abiraterone should be taken on an empty stomach, so your doctor or nurse may suggest taking the tablets before breakfast, and waiting an hour before eating.
You will also take a steroid called prednisolone to reduce the risk of side effects. This is also a tablet and is usually taken twice a day.
Like all treatments, abiraterone can cause side effects. Taking prednisolone as well as abiraterone will reduce the risk of side effects. Most men don’t have many problems with side effects. Possible side effects include:
Abiraterone can also cause the level of potassium in your blood to drop. This could make you feel tired and you may be at risk of a fast, irregular heartbeat. Speak to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Your doctor will monitor your health with blood tests, and you will have regular blood pressure checks. They will also check how you are feeling and ask if you have any side effects.
For more information on abiraterone, speak to your doctor or nurse, or call our Specialist Nurses.
Updated: June 2016