Zytiga Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of cells in the prostate – a gland only found in men.

While some forms of prostate cancer can grow rapidly, most develop slowly and can go undetected over a man’s lifetime. When detected early, prostate cancer is often treated successfully.

Zytiga Active Ingredient

Generic Zytiga Alternative: Zytiga

The active substance in Zytiga is abiraterone acetate, which belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-androgens. These substances block the production of the sex hormone testosterone, thereby slowing the growth and spread of prostate cancer.

General Drug Information

What is Zytiga and What Is It Used For?

Zytiga is prescribed to men who have prostate cancer and works by blocking the production of testosterone. Testosterone is a natural hormone essential for the health of both men and women, though it is known to aid prostate cancer growth.

Zytiga is used in patients whose cancer has spread to other areas of the body and has not responded to surgical treatment which lowers testosterone levels. The medicine is prescribed in combination with prednisone.

Zytiga should not be given to women or children

Usage and Application

Before starting treatment patients need to discuss the full list of medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and supplements with their doctor.

Zytiga should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition, laboratory results, response to treatment, and any other medications the patient may be taking.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose on an empty stomach. The medication should be taken at least an hour before – or two hours after – food. If the drug is taken sooner, the amount of its active substance increases in the body, heightening the risk of side effects.

Tablets should be swallowed whole, and should not be crushed or chewed.

Patients should use Zytiga regularly in order to experience its full benefit. To prevent forgetting, patients are advised to take this medication at the same time each day. Patients should continue taking Zytiga until their doctor tells them to stop. Discontinuing the medication prematurely may stimulate cancer to spread more rapidly.

It is important to notify the treating physician in the event a patient’s condition worsens, especially if there are symptoms like increased difficulty urinating and bone pain.

Pregnant women, if handling Zytiga for any reason, need to wear gloves before touching the tablets. If a tablet is crushed or broken, women who are pregnant – or planning on getting pregnant – must avoid handling the dust and take precautions to avoid breathing it in.

Considerations Before Taking Zytiga

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Zytiga.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially any previous heart attacks, heart failure, or irregular heartbeat. Patients should also report any liver problems or high blood pressure.

Using Zytiga together with corticosteroid medications over a long period of time can make it harder for a patient’s body to respond to physical stress.

Patients undergoing emergency treatment or dental procedures need to report if they are using Zytiga or have done so within the past 12 months.

This is also the case for patients who are being treated for a serious illness or injury. The treating physician needs to be notified immediately in the event the patient develops symptoms like extreme tiredness or weight loss.

Patients who have used Zytiga for an extended period should carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that includes this information.

Zytiga should not be used by women. Pregnant women and those breastfeeding need to be especially careful and should avoid touching the medication. Zytiga may harm unborn babies and nursing infants.

It is unknown whether Zytiga passes through semen and, as a precaution, men having sex with pregnant women must use latex condoms during all sexual contact. This also applies to men who have had a vasectomy.

Patients who have sex with women of childbearing age should use two reliable forms of birth control. These precautions need to be followed for a week after stopping treatment.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Zytiga should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose in order to catch up. Those who miss more than one dose must contact their doctor immediately.

Other Medications and Zytiga

Drug interactions may change the way Zytiga works and may increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss all medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some rifamycin antibiotics like Mycobutin can affect the removal of Zytiga from the body, affecting how its efficacy. St. John’s wort has a similar effect, as do some drugs used to treat seizures (like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone).

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Zytiga safely without serious side effects.

Some patients may experience a headache, hot flashes, joint pain, heartburn, and cold-like symptoms. Patients should notify their doctor in the event these symptoms persist.

Zytiga may raise blood pressure. Patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly and inform their doctor in the event their blood pressure results are regularly high. Some may need blood pressure medication to control this problem.

It is important to promptly report serious side effects like increased or painful urination, swelling or pain in the legs or feet, irregular heartbeat, and bone fractures.

Patients must seek immediate medical help in the event of chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and persistent nausea or vomiting. Stomach pain, the yellowing of eyes and skin, and darkening urine are additional symptoms which require prompt medical attention.

Serious allergic reactions to Zytiga are rare, yet patients should be aware of symptoms that include rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Zytiga

Zytiga should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.