Abiraterone
Abiraterone is an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor used to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. It works by blocking the CYP17 enzyme, which is essential for producing androgens that fuel prostate cancer growth. This medication is typically used in combination with prednisone.
Abiraterone is a prostate cancer medication that blocks androgen production to slow tumor growth.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L02BX03
- RxNorm
- 1100072
- Generic
- Abiraterone
- Class
- atc-l02
- Brands
- Zytiga, Yonsa, Akeega, Abirtega
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1000mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not indicated for pediatric use
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1000mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid use completely
contraindicated in pregnant women or those who may become pregnant; fetal harm based on animal reproductive studies
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid use
abiraterone is not indicated for women; discontinue breastfeeding if exposure occurs
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderlyno dose adjustment required
no overall differences in safety or efficacy observed in geriatric patients; routine monitoring recommended
monitor liver function tests and for adverse reactions
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot indicated for pediatric patients
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients; do not use
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution; no formal dose recommendation
pharmacokinetics not significantly changed in mild to moderate renal impairment; use with caution in severe impairment
monitor renal function and for adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose to 250mg once daily
moderate hepatic impairment requires dose reduction; monitor liver function closely
frequent liver function monitoring; monitor for hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid use completely
contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Abiraterone
FDA approval year
FDA approval for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for Abiraterone
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). Used when cancer has progressed despite androgen deprivation therapy.
Abiraterone acetate converts to abiraterone, which inhibits the CYP17 enzyme (17 α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase). This enzyme catalyzes androgen biosynthesis in testicular, adrenal, and prostatic tumor tissues. Blocking this enzyme depletes testosterone and other androgens, slowing cancer progression.
Must be taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food). Used with prednisone to reduce side effects. Has contraindications for pregnancy (teratogenic). Common side effects include hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, and hepatotoxicity. Regular monitoring of liver function and blood pressure recommended.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy