You should not use Zytiga if you have severe liver disease.
Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have low levels of potassium in your blood, any type of infection, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or a history of heart disease, fluid retention, recent heart attack, or problems with your adrenal gland or pituitary gland.
Although Zytiga is not for use by women, this medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. The tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.
While you are taking Zytiga and for at least 1 week after your treatment ends: Use a condom to prevent transfer of this medication to your sexual partner if she is pregnant. Use a condom plus another form of effective birth control if your sexual partner could become pregnant.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Zytiga if you are allergic to abiraterone.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease;
heart problems, high blood pressure;
a heart attack;
low levels of potassium in your blood; or
problems with your adrenal gland or pituitary gland.
Zytiga is not for use by women or children.
This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause miscarriage. Zytiga tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. If this cannot be avoided, the woman should wear latex gloves.
Abiraterone can also harm an unborn baby if the father is taking this medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy.
Use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 weeks after your last dose.
Use a condom if your sex partner is pregnant.
Zytiga should also not be used by a woman who is breast-feeding a baby.
Abiraterone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Zytiga?
Zytiga is usually taken once per day while also taking a steroid 1 or 2 times per day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your prednisone or methylprednisolone dosage needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, or are under stress. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Take Zytiga on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests.
You should not stop using Zytiga or or your steroid medicine suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your prednisone dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
