Apo-Abiraterone Special Precautions

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, advise patient to talk to a healthcare professional before taking APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS. Be advised of any health conditions or problems he may have, including if he: has or has had high blood pressure, low blood potassium and irregular heartbeats; has diabetes; has or has had heart failure, heart attack, artery blood clots or other heart problems; has liver problems; has or has had adrenal (hormonal) problems; will have surgery or had surgery; has or had severe trauma or infections.
APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS must be taken on an empty stomach since food can increase the blood level of APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS and this may be harmful. Do not eat any solid or liquid food two hours before taking APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS and at least one hour after taking APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS.
Liver Problems: APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS can cause liver failure which can lead to death. Advise patient to talk to a healthcare professional if he has yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or serious nausea or vomiting. These could be signs or symptoms of liver problems.
Perform regular blood tests before starting APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS, every two weeks for the first three months while taking APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS, and every month after. These blood tests will tell how the liver is working.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS may affect the blood sugar levels if the patient has diabetes. The blood sugar might drop if he takes APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS plus prednisone/prednisolone with drugs for diabetes, like pioglitazone or repaglinide. Check the blood sugar levels.
Muscle problems: APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS might cause muscle problems including break down of damaged muscle (rhabdomyolysis). This can cause kidney failure.
See Serious side effects and their symptoms under Side Effects for more information on these and other serious side effects.
Check-ups and testing: Advise patient to regularly visit a healthcare professional, before, during and at the end of his treatment: Check his blood pressure; Do blood tests and physical exams.
Use in Children: APO-ABIRATERONE TABLETS should not be used in patients under 18 years of age.