Zytiga

The active ingredient in Zytiga is abiraterone acetate. Most prostate cancer cells require testosterone to multiply and spread. Testosterone is a male sex hormone known as an androgen.

The mechanism of action for Abiraterone (Zytiga) is an androgen synthesis inhibitor, a type of hormone treatment. It works by reducing the quantity of testosterone your body produces. Without testosterone, prostate cancer cells will lack the fuel they require to develop and spread.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Zytiga. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zytiga:

• If you change brands, strengths, or forms of abiraterone, your dosage requirements may alter.
• If you have an infection or are stressed, your steroid dosage may need to be adjusted.
• Take this medication with a full glass of water.
• You can take Yonsa with or without food.
• Take Zytiga with an empty stomach. Do not eat anything for at least two hours before and one hour after taking your medication.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Your blood pressure will need to be checked frequently, and you may require multiple blood tests. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels should be monitored closely, especially if you are taking pioglitazone or repaglinide.
• Patients receiving abiraterone should also receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog concurrently or should have had bilateral orchiectomy.

The most common side effects of Zytiga seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Urinary tract infections.
• Muscle discomfort.
• Constipation
• Fluid retention as a consequence of increased mineralocorticoid levels resulting from CYP17 inhibition.
• Hypokalemia.
• Liver function test increases.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zytiga. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of liver damage include nausea, vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Low-stress hormone levels can cause rapid heartbeat, fainting, headaches, confusion, muscle weakness, and leg pain or edema.
• Adrenocortical insufficiency.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zytiga. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zytiga, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Liver failure or liver function issues.
• Diabetes (particularly if you use pioglitazone or repaglinide).
• Heart issues and excessive blood pressure.
• A heart attack or heart failure.
• Hepatic impairment.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Low blood potassium levels.
• Problems with your adrenal gland or pituitary gland.
• Arrhythmia.
• Increased risk of bone fracture and death when ZYTIGA ® and prednisone or prednisolone are used in combination with a type of radiation called radium Ra 223 dichloride.
• For patients who develop hepatotoxicity during treatment, hold ZYTIGA until recovery. Continuation may be initiated at a reduced dose.
• Androgen-sensitive prostate cancer responds to androgen-lowering therapy. Androgen deprivation therapy, such as GnRH agonists or orchiectomy, reduces androgen production in the testes.

There are no specific contraindications with Zytiga.

Zytiga begins to work after the first dose. Because of how the drug works, you will probably not feel it in your body, but you may encounter negative effects. Throughout your therapy, your doctor will monitor you to ensure that the drug is adequately treating your illness.

When Zytiga is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Other prostate cancer medications, including radium Ra 223 (may increase the risk of fractures while taking Zytiga).
• Docetaxel.
• Pioglitazone or repaglinide to treat diabetes (may cause extremely low blood sugar hypoglycemia while using Zytiga).
• CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C8, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 likewise should not be taken concurrently with substrates of any of these enzymes that have a narrow therapeutic index.
• Coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers (eg, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, phenobarbital.

Zytiga (abiraterone) and its generic versions:

The normal dose is 1,000 mg administered orally once daily. You will also take prednisone 5 mg tablets orally, once or twice a day, depending on the type of prostate cancer you have.

Yonsa (abiraterone) is typically administered at a dose of 500 mg orally once daily. In addition, you will take methylprednisolone 4 mg orally twice a day.

Moderate (Child-Pugh B): Reduce the starting dose to 250 mg per day and assess ALT, AST, and bilirubin before beginning treatment.

If you are taking other medications that interact with abiraterone (Zytiga) or have liver problems, your dosage may alter. For patients who resume treatment, monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin for at least 2 weeks to 3 months, and then monthly thereafter.

If you miss a dose of abiraterone or corticosteroid (ie, methylprednisolone or prednisone), take a normal dose the following day.

Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Janssen Biotech, Inc. is the company that manufactures Zytiga.

There are lower cost generics available of Zytiga.

It is best to speak to your doctor when wanting to stop Zytiga. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

If a woman is exposed to Zytiga while pregnant, it can harm her unborn child. A pregnant or potentially pregnant woman should not touch a Zytiga tablet. The drug from a broken pill may be absorbed through the skin.

If your partner is or can become pregnant, use effective birth control or contraception. Continue using birth control for at least three weeks following your final dose of Zytiga.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.