Zytiga: Details on side effects, price, dosage, and additional information
What is Zytiga (abiraterone acetate)?
Zytiga is a prescription medication used to treat two types of advanced prostate cancer:
- Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)
- Metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC)
Metastatic means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Both CRPC and CSPC can be challenging to manage. Zytiga helps treat these cancers by reducing the level of male hormones in the body, which in turn helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
How does Zytiga work?
Zytiga contains the active ingredient abiraterone acetate, which works by blocking the production of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone) in the body. Specifically, it prevents the C17-alpha enzyme, found in the testicles, adrenal glands, and tumor tissue, from producing testosterone precursors. This reduction in testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels helps slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Dosage and Administration
Zytiga comes in both 250 mg and 500 mg tablet strengths. The recommended dosage is 1,000 mg taken once a day. It should be taken with a corticosteroid called prednisone, typically 5 mg twice a day. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific situation.
Effectiveness
In clinical studies, taking Zytiga along with prednisone has proven beneficial for treating metastatic CRPC, resulting in an extended life span by approximately 4.5 months compared to those not taking Zytiga[1]. For high-risk metastatic CSPC patients, drug therapy that includes Zytiga reduced the risk of death by 34% over 52 months[1].
Side Effects
Zytiga can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be severe.Common side effects of Zytiga can include:
- Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Edema (swelling, typically in the hands, legs, and feet)
- Headache
- Fatigue (lack of energy)
- Flushing (warmth and redness in the skin)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upper respiratory infection (sinus infection or common cold)
More severe side effects may include:
- Anemia (low level of red blood cells)
- High blood pressure
- Electrolyte disorders (e.g., low potassium levels)
- Liver problems (e.g., liver damage, hepatitis, liver failure, or death)[2]
- Cardiac disorders (e.g., abnormal heart rhythm or cardiac arrest)
Frequency and Severity of Side Effects
The frequency and severity of side effects can vary from person to person. It's essential to promptly report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions and Precautions
Zytiga can interact with other medications, supplements, and certain foods. Share your complete list of medications, vitamins, and supplements with your healthcare provider before beginning Zytiga treatment. Use caution when taking Zytiga with medications that may affect the metabolism of Zytiga, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or certain tuberculosis drugs[2].
Zytiga should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle Zytiga without using protective gloves, as unprotected exposure may be harmful to the baby.
Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term use of Zytiga may lead to less common but potentially serious side effects, including:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels)
- Fluid retention and swelling
- Cardiovascular events (e.g., irregular heartbeat, chest pain, heart attack)
- Bone health issues (e.g., osteoporosis, fractures)
- Muscle pain or cramps and fatigue
- Mood changes and mental health effects (e.g., depression, mood swings)
- Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite)
Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is crucial to manage potential complications during extended treatment[3].
Clinical Uses and Studies
Zytiga has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating metastatic CRPC and metastatic high-risk CSPC in combination with prednisone.
In clinical studies of men with metastatic CRPC, Zytiga in combination with prednisone prolonged life by approximately 4.5 months compared to standard hormone therapy[1]. In another study, men with either metastatic CRPC or CSPC who started hormone therapy for the first time had a three-year survival rate of 83% when taking Zytiga compared to 76% with standard therapy[1].
Cost and Assistance
The cost of Zytiga can vary, with your actual cost depending on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. Financial and insurance assistance programs may be available to those in need.
Takeaways
Zytiga is a vital treatment option for men with metastatic CRPC or CSPC. Although it comes with a range of potential side effects, proper monitoring and adherence to treatment regimens can help manage complications. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance on Zytiga and its potential impact on your specific health situation.
References[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021, August 18). Abiraterone acetate. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/herwidet/abiraterone-acetate[2] Janssen Biotech. (2021, June 22). Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) tablets, for oral use. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/022147s059lbl. pdf[3] Storgulis, R. D., Tabb, H., & Eifel, P. J. (2017, October). Safety and efficacy of abiraterone acetate in prostate cancer treatment: Focus on long-term effects. Retrieved March 3, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5658104/
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- Prostate cancer is a specific concern for men, with an estimated 1 in 9 men being diagnosed in their lifetime[1].
- Prostate cancer can be challenging to manage, as it can progress to the castration-resistant stage, requiring advanced treatments like Zytiga.
- Zytiga, a prescription medication, has proven effective in treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). It works by blocking the production of male hormones, thus slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
