Abiraterone acetate tablets are taken orally once daily. Current U.S. prescribing information specifies administration on an empty stomach. Patients should not eat for at least two hours before the dose and should wait at least one hour after taking the medicine before eating.
General administration
- Take the prescribed dose once daily.
- Take the tablets on an empty stomach.
- Do not eat for two hours before taking the tablets.
- Do not eat for one hour after taking the tablets.
- Swallow tablets whole with water.
- Do not crush or chew the tablets.
- Follow the prescribed corticosteroid regimen.
- Continue androgen-deprivation therapy when required by the treatment plan.
Why food matters
Food can substantially alter exposure to abiraterone. This is why the fasting instructions are part of the medicine’s administration requirements rather than simply a dietary preference.
Prednisone or prednisolone
Abiraterone is administered with corticosteroid therapy in its labeled indications. Current U.S. labeling specifies prednisone 5 mg twice daily for mCRPC and prednisone 5 mg once daily for metastatic high-risk CSPC.
Androgen deprivation
Patients receiving abiraterone should also receive a GnRH analog or have undergone bilateral orchiectomy under current U.S. labeling.
Missed dose
Patients should follow the specific instructions supplied with their product and prescription. They should not independently take an additional dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Handling
Broken, crushed or damaged tablets can create handling concerns, particularly for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Appropriate protective measures described in product labeling should be followed.