Abiraterone can produce adverse reactions related both to its cancer-treatment activity and to changes in steroid hormone production. The exact frequency varies by study population and treatment combination.
Commonly reported effects
Potential adverse effects include:
- Fatigue
- Hypertension
- Hypokalemia
- Fluid retention
- Peripheral edema
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Joint or muscle discomfort
- Abnormal liver tests
Important serious risks
| Risk | Why it matters |
| Hypertension | Can become clinically significant |
| Hypokalemia | Low potassium may affect muscles and cardiac rhythm |
| Fluid retention | Can worsen edema or cardiovascular conditions |
| Cardiac toxicity | Requires attention in patients with cardiovascular risk |
| Hepatotoxicity | Liver injury can require interruption or discontinuation |
| Adrenocortical insufficiency | May occur particularly with treatment interruption or physiologic stress |
| Infection/other treatment effects | May be influenced by concurrent corticosteroid therapy |
Abiraterone’s mineralocorticoid effects can produce hypertension, hypokalemia and fluid retention, while hepatotoxicity is a recognized serious concern.
Warning symptoms
Prompt medical assessment may be required for severe swelling, marked weakness, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal symptoms or other concerning changes.
Monitoring
Monitoring commonly includes:
- Blood pressure
- Serum potassium
- Fluid-retention symptoms
- Liver enzymes
- Bilirubin
- Clinical cardiovascular assessment
Important distinction
Not every patient experiences every adverse reaction. The patient’s disease, other medicines, corticosteroid regimen, liver function and cardiovascular health influence risk.