Can I take Zytiga (abiraterone) after drinking a glass of water?

Taking Zytiga After Drinking Water

No, you should not take Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) after drinking water. Zytiga must be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or at least two hours after a meal, and the tablets should be swallowed whole with water. 1

Proper Administration of Zytiga

Timing Requirements

• Zytiga must be taken on an empty stomach
• Take at least one hour before or at least two hours after a meal
• Even drinking water shortly before taking Zytiga could affect absorption

Administration Method

• Swallow tablets whole with water
• Do not crush or chew tablets 1
• Tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider

Scientific Rationale for Empty Stomach Requirement

The strict administration requirements for Zytiga are based on its pharmacokinetic properties:

• Food significantly increases systemic exposure to abiraterone
• When taken with food, abiraterone's bioavailability increases dramatically:
  • 5-fold higher with low-fat meals
  • 10-fold higher with high-fat meals 1

This increased absorption can lead to:

• Unpredictable drug levels
• Potential increase in adverse effects
• Inconsistent therapeutic response

Clinical Implications of Improper Administration

Taking Zytiga after drinking water may:

• Potentially alter the absorption profile
• Lead to variable drug concentrations
• Affect treatment efficacy

The FDA label specifically states: "Given the normal variation in the content and composition of meals, taking abiraterone acetate with meals has the potential to result in increased and highly variable exposures." 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Drinking water immediately before taking Zytiga
2. Taking with food or shortly after eating
3. Crushing or chewing the tablets
4. Inconsistent timing of administration

Alternative Dosing Considerations

A randomized phase 2 noninferiority study showed that a lower dose of abiraterone (250 mg/day) taken after a low-fat breakfast might be an alternative to the standard dose (1,000 mg/day) taken after an overnight fast 2. However, this modified dosing should only be implemented under direct medical supervision, as food impacts absorption unpredictably.

Remember that proper administration is crucial for ensuring optimal treatment outcomes in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding the timing of Zytiga administration in relation to food and water intake.