abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate at a glance
Medicine class
PARP inhibitor combined with an androgen-biosynthesis inhibitor
Genetic testing
A validated test must confirm a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation before treatment starts.
Food
Take on an empty stomach because food can substantially increase abiraterone exposure.
Additional treatment
Prednisone or prednisolone is required; androgen-deprivation therapy continues unless surgical castration has occurred.
What is abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate used for?
UK-licensed uses, always with prednisone or prednisolone, are:
Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer with a confirmed germline or somatic BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, alongside androgen-deprivation therapy.
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with a confirmed germline or somatic BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation when chemotherapy is not clinically indicated.
How does abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate work?
Niraparib blocks PARP-1 and PARP-2, reducing the ability of cancer cells to repair damaged DNA. Abiraterone acetate is converted to abiraterone, which blocks CYP17 and lowers androgen production in the testes, adrenal glands and prostate tumour tissue.
abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg + 500 mg, 100 mg + 500 mg
How to take abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate
Follow the specialist cancer team’s instructions and take the prescribed prednisone or prednisolone alongside this treatment. Do not stop either treatment without specialist advice.
Take the tablets on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food.
Swallow tablets whole with water; do not break, crush or chew them.
Tell the cancer team before starting any prescription, non-prescription or herbal product.
Pregnant people, or those who may be pregnant, should wear gloves if handling the tablets.
abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Anaemia and other reduced blood-cell counts
- High blood pressure
- Tiredness or weakness
- Muscle or joint pain
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea
- Low potassium or high blood glucose
- Swelling or fluid retention
- Respiratory or urinary infections
- Reduced appetite or weight loss
- Dizziness, headache or difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of breath or cough
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever, chills or other signs of severe infection
- Unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, marked breathlessness or pallor
- Chest pain, sudden breathlessness or a swollen painful limb
- Severe hypertension, palpitations or symptoms of low potassium
- Seizure, severe headache, confusion or visual disturbance
- Persistent blood-cell abnormalities suggesting MDS or AML
- Signs of liver injury, heart failure, severe allergy or muscle breakdown
abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate in pregnancy
This treatment is not for use in women and may harm a developing baby. Men should use a condom during treatment and for four months afterwards; if their partner could become pregnant, another effective contraceptive method is also required. A condom is required during sex with a pregnant partner.
abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate while breastfeeding
This treatment is not for use in women, including during breastfeeding. Anyone who may be exposed through handling should obtain specialist advice; pregnant people should wear gloves when touching the tablets.
abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate interactions
The oncology team should review all medicines, supplements and herbal products before and during treatment.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, phenobarbital and St John’s wort
These may reduce abiraterone exposure and should generally be avoided unless no alternative exists.
CYP2D6 substrates, including flecainide, propafenone, metoprolol, venlafaxine, codeine and tramadol
Abiraterone can alter exposure or activation, particularly where the interacting medicine has a narrow therapeutic index.
Pioglitazone or repaglinide
Exposure may change and hypoglycaemia has occurred; monitor glucose and adverse effects closely.
Common questions about abiraterone acetate + niraparib tosylate monohydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is BRCA testing needed before treatment?
Its licensed prostate-cancer uses require a confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, established using a validated test.
Why must it be taken without food?
Food can greatly and unpredictably increase abiraterone exposure, raising the risk of adverse effects.
Can the tablets be crushed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.