What medical conditions does Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) treat?
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate start to grow out of control, a gland only found in men. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, it estimates that in 2023 there will be almost 290,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States and almost 35,000 deaths.
What is the active ingredient in Zytiga?
Generic Zytiga Alternative: Abiraterone Acetate
Zytiga is a prescription drug that contains the active ingredient abiraterone acetate, which belongs to the drug class called CYP17 inhibitors. It is an anti-androgen that works by blocking the production of the male sex hormone testosterone, which slows the growth and spread of prostate cancer.
General Drug Information
What is Zytiga and what is it used for?
Zytiga is an FDA-approved medication that is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is used in combination with prednisone for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in men. CRPC is a form of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It needs male hormones to grow. Zytiga inhibits a certain enzyme, which decreases levels of androgens that helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Zytiga can also increase mineralocorticoid production by the adrenal gland. Mineralocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that help regulate salt and water balances. Prednisone is taken along with Zytiga to help decrease possible side effects related to increased mineralocorticoid levels. Zytiga should not be given to women or children.
How do you take Zytiga?
Before starting treatment with Zytiga, you should discuss your full list of medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements with your healthcare provider.
Zytiga should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dosage will depend on your medical condition, laboratory results, response to treatment, and any other medications you may be taking. You should not change your dose or stop taking this medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider first.
Zytiga is typically taken by mouth once a day, at the same time each day. Zytiga tablets should be swallowed whole, and should not be crushed or chewed. It must be taken on an empty stomach. You should not take this medication at least an hour before or two hours after food. Taking Zytiga with food can cause more of the medication to be absorbed by your body than is needed and this may cause serious side effects.
You should notify your healthcare provider if your condition worsens, or if you have serious side effects such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), rapid heart rate, difficulty urinating, or joint pain.
Before having surgery or if you suffer a serious illness/injury, tell your healthcare provider that you are using Zytiga or have used it within the past 12 months.
Zytiga should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may harm an unborn or breastfeeding baby. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid touching Zytiga without protection, such as gloves.
Men who are sexually active with pregnant women must use a condom during and for 1 week following Zytiga treatment. If their sexual partner may become pregnant, a condom and another form of birth control must be used during and for 1 week after Zytiga treatment. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have questions or need medical advice about birth control.
Before Taking Zytiga
Before taking Zytiga, tell your doctor about your medical conditions, including:
- Heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
- Adrenal gland problems
- Pituitary gland problems
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
What do you do if you miss a dose of Zytiga?
If you miss a dose of Zytiga, take your prescribed dose the following day. If you miss more than 1 dose, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Zytiga drug interactions
When Zytiga is taken with other medications, it can change the way they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should discuss with your healthcare provider whether any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with this medication, including:
- CYP3A4 enzyme inducers such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and phenobarbital
- CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, atazanavir, nefazodone, saquinavir, telithromycin, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, and voriconazole
- Thioridazine
- Pioglitazone
- Dextromethorphan
Zytiga side effects
Some common side effects of Zytiga may include:
- Nausea
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Joint swelling or discomfort
- Hot flushes
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Cough
- Headache
- Constipation
- Bruising
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Edema (fluid retention)
- Muscle weakness and discomfort
- Insomnia
- Nocturia (getting up at night to pee)
Zytiga rarely causes more serious side effects, including:
- Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing)
- Irregular heartbeats or chest pain
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
- Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
- Liver problems including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes)
- Increased risk of bone fractures
This is not a full list of side effects for this medication. Contact your healthcare provider about any possible side effects you experience while taking Zytiga. You can also report your adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How to store Zytiga
Zytiga should be stored at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), away from light and moisture. As with all medications, they should be kept out of the reach of children.
You should properly dispose of this medication when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for a safe way to dispose of this and all medications.
Zytiga alternatives
Sources
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/202379lbl.pdf
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/yonsa-zytiga-abiraterone-999651#91
