This treatment has minimal side effects. In the clinical trial when abiraterone was compared with a dummy tablet (placebo) very few side effects were caused by abiraterone. Most of the symptoms that patients had were due to their prostate cancer. Below is a table of possible side effects you may get with this treatment. Remember most of these side effects are temporary and can be managed. Some people have more side effects than others, everyone is different. If you are worried about any of your symptoms, contact your doctor or nurse
Symptoms |
Abiraterone - Moderate or severe (%) |
Placebo - Moderate or severe (%) |
Heart problems |
3-6 |
2-3 |
Low blood potassium levels* |
2-3 |
1-2 |
High liver blood tests |
3-8 |
<1-3 |
Fluid retention and swelling |
1-2 |
1 |
Urinary tract infection |
2 |
<1 |
High blood pressure (hypertension) |
1-5 |
<1-3 |
Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) |
1 |
<1 |
* Low blood potassium levels may be found from your routine blood tests and treated by your doctor. If it is severe you may get muscle cramps or twitches, constipation, confusion or an irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you get any of these signs or symptoms.