Abiraterone acetate - Abiraterone Tablets

What is this medication?

ABIRATERONE (a bir A ter one) treats prostate cancer. It works by decreasing levels of the hormone testosterone in the body. This prevents prostate cancer cells from spreading or growing.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Yonsa, ZYTIGA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
• Having surgery
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• History of irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Liver disease
• Low levels of potassium in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to abiraterone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If your partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Take Zytiga on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. You can take Yonsa with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Handling this medication may be harmful if you are pregnant. Wear gloves while touching the medication or bottle. Talk to your care team about how to handle this medication. Special instructions may apply.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose. If you miss more than 1 dose, tell your care team right away.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Thioridazine

This medication may interact with the following:

• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• Dextromethorphan
• Pioglitazone
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication may increase or decrease your blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of high or low blood sugar while taking this medication. Signs of low blood sugar include chills, cool, pale skin or cold sweats, drowsiness, extreme hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness or anxiety, shakiness, trembling, unsteadiness, tiredness, or weakness. Contact your care team right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Talk to your care team if you or your partner are pregnant or think either of you might be pregnant. If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 3 weeks after the last dose.

If your partner may be pregnant, they should not handle uncoated tablets or tablets that are broken, crushed, or damaged without protection, such as gloves.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hot flashes
• Joint pain
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.