A daily pill taken with a low-dose steroid for prostate cancer. Because of how it works, it can raise blood pressure, lower potassium, and cause fluid retention — so blood pressure, potassium, and liver tests are checked regularly (every 2 weeks for the first 3 months for the liver). Don't stop the prednisone suddenly.

Oral abiraterone taken daily WITH low-dose prednisone, continuously (alongside ongoing hormone therapy). The signature effects come from 'mineralocorticoid excess' — higher blood pressure, low potassium, and fluid retention — which the prednisone is given to blunt. Liver-enzyme rises are watched closely, mostly in the first 3 months. Onset is measured in weeks-months, not infusion cycles.

What is reported

This regimen is taken continuously, so effects are described in the terms their sources use rather than by cycle day.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

within weeks; ongoing

A signature effect from mineralocorticoid excess. Blood pressure can rise within weeks; your team checks it at least monthly and treats it with medicine. (It's more likely with once-daily than twice-daily prednisone.)

Call your team: Severe headache, vision changes, or chest pain.

reported by about 22-37% of people; severe in 4-20% · from Abiraterone

Low potassium (hypokalemia)

within weeks; ongoing

The drug can lower blood potassium, which can cause muscle weakness, cramps, or (if severe) heart-rhythm changes. Your team checks potassium at least monthly and replaces it if needed.

Call your team: Severe muscle weakness or a fast/irregular heartbeat.

reported by about 17-28% of people; severe in 5-10% · from Abiraterone

Fluid retention (edema)

weeks; ongoing

Swelling of the ankles or legs from fluid retention. Reducing salt, elevating the legs, and sometimes a water pill help.

reported by about 25-27% of people; severe in ~1% · from Abiraterone, Prednisone

Elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity)

typically first 3 months; can occur later

Rises in liver blood tests, usually without symptoms and most often in the first 3 months. Your team checks liver tests every 2 weeks for the first 3 months, then monthly. Rarely it can be serious — report yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, or belly pain.

Call your team urgently: Yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, or severe belly pain.

reported by about 11-42% (ALT) of people; severe in ~5-6% · from Abiraterone

Fatigue

Tiredness is common and usually manageable. Pacing activities and light exercise help.

reported by about 39-47% of people; severe in 2.2% · from Abiraterone

Joint discomfort (arthralgia)

Aching or swollen joints. Gentle movement and simple pain relief as advised usually help.

reported by about 30% of people; severe in 2-4% · from Abiraterone

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

The steroid can raise blood sugar, which matters especially if you have diabetes. Your team may check glucose; report excessive thirst or frequent urination.

reported by about 57% of people; severe in 6.5% · from Prednisone

Hot flashes

Sudden warmth or flushing, an expected effect of lowering testosterone. Dressing in layers and keeping cool help.

reported by about 15-22% of people · from Abiraterone

Where this comes from

A window appears here only where a retrievable document ties it to a drug in this regimen. Where nothing could be found, the window was removed rather than estimated — so a missing time is an honest gap, not an oversight.

Abiraterone + Prednisone (Zytiga): what to expect