This leaflet should be read alongside the ‘Steroid therapy record’. If you haven’t received this leaflet please ask for a copy at the Velindre pharmacy.
Abiraterone is a new hormonal treatment which is given as tablets. Testosterone can stimulate prostate cancer growth. Hormonal treatments for prostate cancer work by reducing testosterone levels.
Your doctor has prescribed this therapy because it has been found to be effective in some patients with prostate cancer.
Abiraterone works in a different way to other hormone treatments given for prostate cancer.
You will be seen at regular intervals. Your team will explain how often this will be. At these appointments you will have blood tests and we will monitor your blood pressure. We will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the treatment is affecting you.
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
Abiraterone tablets should be taken once a day. Tablets can be taken anytime, but try to take them at approximately the same time every day. You should take the tablets on an empty stomach. This means 1 hour before food or 2 hours after food. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They must not be chewed or crushed.
We will also give you prednisolone tablets. These are steroid tablets. These should be taken after food and may be given once a day or twice a day. Please check the instructions on the box. We will give you a leaflet called Steroid therapy record. It is important that you read this as it gives detailed information on the side effects of steroids.
The amount you need to take will be clearly marked on the box.
• If it’s within 2 hours of the normal time take them now.
• If it’s more than 2 hours late, miss this dose.
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet. . Your tablets should be stored in their original packaging and in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in a cool dry place (below 30oC).
Any unused tablets should be returned to the hospital pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal.
This treatment is usually well tolerated but there are some possible side effects that you need to be aware of. The doctors, nurses and pharmacy team can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Abiraterone can affect your liver, which usually gives no symptoms. You will have regular blood tests to check your liver function. Please let your consultant know if you have any ongoing liver problems.
Abiraterone can lower the level of potassium in your blood. Potassium is an important chemical and low levels can affect your heart and muscles. There are usually no symptoms but you may feel light-headed, notice irregular heart beats or twitches in your muscles. The specialist team at Velindre will be checking your blood tests regularly to monitor this.
Nausea and vomiting are uncommon with abiraterone.
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment.
If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life threatening.
Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade or if your temperature is below 35.5°. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
The treatment can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.
You may experience fluid retention which can result in swelling of your face, ankles and legs. Please tell your doctor or nurse at your next clinic visit if this is a problem.
This treatment may cause a rise in blood pressure for some patients. We will check your blood pressure before you start treatment, and at each clinic visit. Please tell us if you are already receiving treatment for high blood pressure. If you have suffered from high blood pressure in the past but it is well controlled, you will still be able to receive this treatment.
This treatment may cause some heart problems. The risk of developing serious heart problems is low. Your doctor will discuss this with you and arrange for your heart function to be tested before you start treatment.
If you have a heart condition or you take any heart medication, please tell your doctor before you start treatment.
If at any time during your treatment you become breathless, develop a cough, experience fluid retention (swelling) in your arms or legs, or palpitations (heart flutter or irregular heart beat) please seek urgent medical assessment. These problems would normally be assessed by your GP. You should also tell your specialist team at Velindre so we can review if you should continue with your abiraterone.
This treatment may cause some heart problems. The risk of developing serious heart problems is low. Your doctor will discuss this with you and arrange for your heart function to be tested before you start treatment.
If you have a heart condition or you take any heart medication, please tell your doctor before you start treatment.
If at any time during your treatment you become breathless, develop a cough, experience fluid retention (swelling) in your arms or legs, or palpitations (heart flutter or irregular heart beat) please seek urgent medical assessment. These problems would normally be assessed by your GP. You should also tell your specialist team at Velindre so we can review if you should continue with your abiraterone.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
It is important you do not father a child whilst having this treatment and for 4 months afterwards. This is because abiraterone may damage the unborn baby.
Some patients may experience headaches whilst taking abiraterone. This can be treated with whatever painkillers you would usually take.
Some patients may also experience hot flushes.
If you have concerns please discuss them with your specialist nurse, or at your next clinic visit.
If you are taking other medicines please let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know. There are a small number of medicines that you may have to avoid.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Urology Specialist Nurses 029 2061 5888 ext 4680
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
For urgent advice at any time of the day or night please ask for the treatment helpline
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated annually.