Has anyone taken Abiraterone? Does it help and what are your experiences?

This is such an important question about treatment options. Abiraterone is a medication that many in the prostate cancer community have experience with, and sharing those real-world experiences can be incredibly valuable for others considering this treatment. Hopefully some community members who have been on this medication will share their perspectives to help give you a fuller picture of what to expect.

I have been taking it for 6 months, along with Lupron after having had radiation 7 months ago. I was diagnosed as Stage 4a. So far, my PSA is undetectable. Hormone therapy sucks, but if it keeps me alive, then I'm all for it. The main side effects have been hot flashes, feeling cold, no libido, and fatigue. Many of the side effects may be due to the Lupron (I just had my second Lupron shot and all the side effects flared up after that.)

I've been on it for about 3 months, during and after my radiation therapy. It's difficult to identify the abaratarone side effects from those of Orgovyx, which is also part of my drug therapy. Due to the timing restrictions on taking abaratarone, I schedule that for just before bed. The only real issue I have that seems to be connected to abaratarone and not Orgovyx is heartburn. Since I dose the abaratarone late in the day, the heartburn hits overnight, interrupting sleep. A second factor is that a low dose steroid is also prescribed with the abaratarone and that makes me super hungry and contributes to weight gain.

Aberaterone is a life-saver. Even a little testosterone can feed lethal prostrate cancer cells. Traditional ADT stops the testicles from producing testosterone, but that doesn't deal with other sources such as the adrenaline glands. Aberaterone reduces your testosterone from almost zero to zero. That can be the difference between life and death. As a patient, I have no way to know how much benefit it provides to me but I trust the data from studies that show it extends life and I've lived a fairly normal 2.5 years with it and stage 4 cancer.

I have been on it for 2 years now. PSAs are down from 121 to .3 stage 4 metastasized to bone in 3 spots. Had radiation early for both prostate and bone. Between the injection every six months and the abiriterone I've had hot flashes,the early weight gain from quitting smoking all was gained as fat. I've since managed through weightlifting and diet to get my body fat back down to 18.8 % and my muscle mass back to 36% from 30.6. Its taken a year of working out 3 days a week to get there. Certain areas are really difficult to lose the fat from. My endurance is less and my strength is still at lower levels than when I wasn't working out before the testosterone blockers. The doctors still believe they can get my PSAs to zero and hopefully get me off them. But for now they have their drawbacks b I t it beats the he'll out of the alternative.

Ive been on it for 2 years, my last dose will actually be on NYE. That, and I had my last shot of Lupron in September. The worst part is the hot flashes, but you get used to it. Another side effect for me has been the restless sleep for which I’ve been taking cannabis gummies. I also noticed with the zero testosterone that my dreams have diminished. I used to have wild, vivid dreams but not since I started these treatments. The lack of libido sucks more for my wife than me, I’m kind of enjoying the respite from constant thoughts of sex. Looking forward though to getting it back and hopefully back to a normal life. I was diagnosed after prostatectomy with metastatic stage 4A lymph node involvement.

I have had people suggest cannabis gummies to me and I know nothing about it and neither did they. Does anyone know what effects it creates and the benefits if any?

Michael McVey, if you’re in a state that only allows for medicinal use you’ll have to talk to your oncologist about how to secure a prescription card. If you’re in a state that allows for recreational use go to your nearest dispensary and talk to one of the attendants. There are many options available depending on your situation. I stick to blends that promote sleep and relaxation, typically cbd/thc or straight thc derived from the indica variety of marijuana. I’ve been taking a relaxing/chill gummy about an hour or so before bed. That will kick in and then I take a full sleepy indica gummy right at bedtime. I sleep straight through the night except for when my bladder wakes me. You might be kind of high when you wake up to pee, but the morning is fine. Zero side effects. Definitely talk to your doctor and the folks at the dispensary for guidance to help you find the right combo. Good luck to you.

I’ve been on it for a few years. I don’t have any noticeable side effects. Per my oncologist, it should be taken with a low dose of prednisone.

I have been wanting to know. My chemo is being the 4th. I was told they are treating and no cure. I don’t want to do this. It’s painful and I’m alone. They won’t give me a date. I’m kinda scared. I hate my life issues.

This really sucks!.

Was on it for six months and had all the outlined side effects. Was taken off it due to extremely high blood pressure and put on Erleada, apalutimide.

I was on it for three years, It worked Been off to two, cancer is back. Now moving on to Xtandi