Abiratas is a hormonal treatment not a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat prostate cancer in adult men that has spread to other parts of the body. Abiratas stops your body from making testosterone. This can slow down the growth of prostate cancer.

Abiratas should be taken on an empty stomach with water 1 hour before eating or at least 2 hours after eating. Taking it with food may cause increased and variable levels of Abiratas in your blood which can be harmful. Remember not to crush or chew the tablet.

Abiratas does not cure cancer but helps in prolonging and improving the life of the patient. Moreover, when prostate cancer is treated with Abiratas then the frequency of fractures is relatively less. Similarly, the increase in pain is less common with Abiratas.

Your doctor will always prescribe prednisolone with Abiratas. Taking these two medicines together lowers the risk of getting high blood pressure, fluid retention (having too much water in your body), or having reduced levels of potassium in your blood, which can occur due to Abiratas.

Liver enzymes should be measured prior to starting the treatment, every two weeks for the first three months into the treatment, and monthly thereafter. If you develop clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of liver toxicity, liver enzymes should be measured immediately. If the liver enzyme levels are increased beyond certain levels, your doctor may temporarily discontinue the treatment with Abiratas.

Abiratas can cause severe liver problems. In very rare cases, Abiratas may even cause failure of the liver to function (called acute liver failure), which can even lead to death. Tell your doctor if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, darkening of the urine, or severe nausea or vomiting, as these could be signs or symptoms of liver problems.