Zytiga and Food

Taking abiraterone with food increases the amount of medicine that gets absorbed by the body. This may increase the risk of side effects such as high blood pressure, water retention, and a condition called hypokalemia (low blood potassium), which in severe cases can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, breathing and swallowing difficulties (due to muscle paralysis), and irregular heart rhythm. You should take abiraterone once a day on an empty stomach. No food should be eaten for at least two hours before and one hour after taking abiraterone. Let your doctor know if you experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramping, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, rapid heart beat, chest pain, and/or swelling in the legs or feet, as these may be symptoms of hypokalemia or excessive effects of abiraterone. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may significantly increase the oral bioavailability of abiraterone acetate. Compared to administration in the fasted state, abiraterone peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) were approximately 7- and 5-fold higher, respectively, when a single dose of abiraterone acetate was administered with a low-fat meal (7% fat; 300 calories) and approximately 17- and 10-fold higher, respectively, when it was administered with a high-fat meal (57% fat; 825 calories). Given the normal variation in the content and composition of meals, taking abiraterone acetate with meals has the potential to result in increased and highly variable exposures. The safety of these increased exposures during multiple dosing has not been assessed.

MANAGEMENT: Abiraterone acetate must be taken on an empty stomach. No food should be consumed for at least two hours before and one hour after the abiraterone acetate dose.