Zytiga
(abiraterone)
Helps treat prostate cancer.
Our bottom line
Zytiga (abiraterone) is an effective oral treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, but it needs to be taken with another medicine called prednisone.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Proven to prolong survival by about 4 months, delay start of chemotherapy by about 8 months, and reduce use of opioid narcotics for pain management.
- Zytiga (abiraterone) is an oral tablet that's conveniently taken once a day.
What to expect from Zytiga, on one page
Downsides
- Not the best choice if you have heart or liver problems.
- Zytiga (abiraterone) can cause liver damage. You'll need routine blood tests to check your liver function.
- Available as an expensive, branded product only.
What to expect from Zytiga, on one page
Zytiga (abiraterone) stops the production of a hormone called testosterone, which is essential for the growth of tumor cells in the prostate.
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$10818.49
- CostcoGet free coupon$10883.13
What to expect when you take Zytiga (abiraterone) for metastatic prostate cancer
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Tiredness
- Joint swelling
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Facial flushing
- High blood pressure
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Zytiga (abiraterone)
- Elevated tryglycerides63%63%53%53%
- Abnormal liver enzyme test (AST)31%31%36%36%
- Joint swelling30%30%23%23%
- Low potassium levels28%28%20%20%
- Swelling27%27%18%18%
- Muscle pain26%26%23%23%
- Low phosphate levels24%24%16%16%
- Facial flushing19%19%17%17%
- Diarrhea18%18%14%14%
- Urinary tract infection12%12%7%7%
- Cough11%11%8%8%
- Abnormal liver enzyme test (ALT)11%11%10%10%
- High blood pressure9%9%7%7%
- Urinary frequency7%7%5%5%
- Irregular heartbeat7%7%5%5%
- Abnormal liver function test (total bilirubin)7%7%5%5%
- Indigestion6%6%3%3%
- Frequent urination at night6%6%4%4%
- Fractures6%6%2%2%
- Upper respiratory tract infection5%5%3%3%
- Chest pain or chest discomfort4%4%3%3%
- Heart failure2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Zytiga.
People taking Zytiga felt side effect more
People taking Zytiga felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Zytiga (abiraterone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Current liver problems
Zytiga (abiraterone) is processed by the liver. If you have history of liver disease, talk to your doctor. Laboratory tests are need to monitor your liver function before starting Zytiga (abiraterone) and while on treatment.
Common concerns from people taking Zytiga (abiraterone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Zytiga (abiraterone) interacts with a lot of medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Zytiga (abiraterone) or any other new medicine.
- Zytiga (abiraterone) must be taken on an empty stomach. Don't eat any food for at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after your dose.
- Zytiga (abiraterone) is processed by the liver. If you have history of liver disease, talk to your doctor. Laboratory tests are need to monitor your liver function before starting Zytiga (abiraterone) and while on treatment.
- Adrenal suppression, or low hormone levels, may occur if you get an infection, are under stress, or stop taking prednisone. Tell your doctor if you notice any fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or muscle aches.
- Not the best choice if you have heart or liver problems.
- Zytiga (abiraterone) can cause liver damage. You'll need routine blood tests to check your liver function.