Zytiga

Castration, High Risk Prostate Cancer, Malignant Neoplasms
Treatment
3 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Zytiga

What is Zytiga

AbirateroneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAbiraterone is a type of steroid hormone used to treat prostate cancer that does not respond to other treatments. It is available as an acetate salt, which is more easily absorbed by the body and less likely to be broken down. Abiraterone was approved by the FDA in 2011.
Zytigais the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Zytiga Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Zytiga
Abiraterone
2011
43

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Abiraterone, commonly known as Zytiga, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses such as Malignant Neoplasms and High Risk Prostate Cancer .
Malignant Neoplasms
Used to treat Metastatic Castration Sensitive Prostate Cancer in combination with Prednisone
High Risk Prostate Cancer
Used to treat High Risk Prostate Cancer in combination with Prednisone
Castration
Used to treat Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) in combination with Methylprednisolone

Effectiveness

How Zytiga Affects PatientsAbiraterone is linked to decreases in PSA levels and tumor size, as well as lessening of bone metastases and pain relief. Taking this drug may cause an increase in hormones related to the adrenal glands, but this can be prevented by taking the steroid dexamethasone.
How Zytiga works in the bodyAbiraterone is a drug that works to lower the amount of testosterone in the body. It does this by blocking an enzyme called CYP17A1, which helps the body create testosterone. By blocking the enzyme, it prevents the body from producing testosterone and lowers the amount of testosterone in the body.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Zytiga is contingent upon the diagnosed health state. The dose varies, based on the administration approach outlined in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
High Risk Prostate Cancer
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Castration
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Malignant Neoplasms
250.0 mg, , 500.0 mg, 125.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Zytiga.
Common Zytiga Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Abiraterone.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Abiraterone.
Eliglustat
Major
The metabolism of Eliglustat can be decreased when combined with Abiraterone.
Fentanyl
Major
The metabolism of Fentanyl can be decreased when combined with Abiraterone.
Paclitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Paclitaxel can be decreased when combined with Abiraterone.
Zytiga Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on this drug can cause a disruption of the body's 17α-hydroxylase activity, leading to high levels of a mineralocorticoid called 11-deoxycorticosterone. This can cause water retention and low potassium levels in the blood. To counteract these symptoms, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists can be prescribed.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Zytiga Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zytiga?

30 ongoing clinical trials are investigating the potential of Zytiga to manage Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
High Risk Prostate Cancer
0 Actively Recruiting
Malignant Neoplasms
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3
Castration
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3

Zytiga Reviews: What are patients saying about Zytiga?

5Patient Review
5/15/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Zytiga has been an absolute lifesaver for my husband. In just five months, his PSA levels have decreased from 1000 to 62 with no negative side effects that we've seen. This drug has given him back a quality of life that was rapidly deteriorating due to chemotherapy. We've been treating his stage 4 cancer for 11 years now, and this is by far the most promising treatment we've tried.
5Patient Review
7/24/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I started quarterly lupron injections at my doctor's suggestion. They worked for a while, but then my PSA started rising again. My doctor put me on Zytiga, and within the first month my PSA went from 135 to 3.5. Two months later it was down to 0.3. This medication has been a life-saver!
5Patient Review
7/24/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Lupron injections were initially effective for six months, but failed to address my continuing high PSA. My doctor then put me on Zytiga, and within the first 30 days my PSA went from 135 to 3.5. 60 days later it was down to 0.3.
5Patient Review
5/15/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Zytiga has been amazing for my husband. In only five months, it's brought his PSA levels down from over 1000 to 62. He hasn't experienced any negative side effects and it's given him back a much better quality of life. We're so grateful that this treatment option was available to us.
5Patient Review
9/27/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I have been taking this medication for two months with great success. My PSA levels dropped significantly, and I haven't experienced any negative side effects. The only downside is the cost--it can get pretty pricey.
5Patient Review
5/9/2014
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I took Casodex and it worked for me for an entire year. I'm now on Zytiga and have been for about the same amount of time with great results; my PSA was at 500 when I started treatment two years ago, and now it's down to 0.01.
5Patient Review
10/20/2012
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
5Patient Review
9/27/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I've been taking this for two months with no negative consequences that I can see. My PSA went from 3.45 to 0.40, which is a dramatic improvement. The only downside is the cost; without insurance, this medication costs around $6-7000 per year.
5Patient Review
10/20/2012
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
5Patient Review
1/19/2015
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
My dad is currently 78 years old and was first diagnosed with Gleason 9 and PSA 32 back in 1996. Despite this, he still works full time and enjoys a great quality of life. He started taking Zytiga with prednisone in April 2014 when his PSA began to rise again, peaking at 214. However, since then his PSA has steadily decreased with very few side effects. Here are his latest numbers: May 2014 – PSA 125; June 2014 – PSA 26.6; July 2014 – PSA 24.3; August 2014 – PSA 18.8; October 2014 – PSA 16
5Patient Review
5/9/2014
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Casodex worked for about a year for me. I'm now on Zytiga and it's been effective for another year. My PSA was at 500 when I started treatment two years ago, and it's now down to 0.01.
5Patient Review
1/19/2015
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
My dad is 78 and he was first diagnosed with cancer in 1996. He's still working full time and enjoying a great quality of life. In April 2014, his PSA started rising again, so he began treatment with Zytiga and prednisone. His PSA has been steadily decreasing since then with very few side effects.
4.7Patient Review
3/27/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I've been taking Zytiga for 19 months now and have found it to be incredibly effective. My PSA levels dropped immediately from 300 to 25 and they've stayed put since then. The only downside is that I developed a cough shortly after starting the medication, which has now become chronic.
4.7Patient Review
3/27/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I've been taking Zytiga for 19 months now and have found it to be effective; my PSA levels dropped from 300 to 25 almost immediately. However, I have developed a chronic cough since beginning treatment, which is apparently a common side effect according to the manufacturer's clinical trials.
4.7Patient Review
12/29/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
This drug quickly and effectively lowered my PSA levels, from 22 to 0.013 in the span of a few months. I also receive Lupron shots every 3 months, which may account for some of the success.
4.7Patient Review
5/7/2014
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
My father's PSA levels have decreased significantly since he began taking Zytiga and prednisone 13 days ago. He feels great and we are attributing this change to the medication.
4.7Patient Review
8/9/2014
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I started taking this drug on December 1st, 2013. My PSA was at 35.8. By March 1st, 2014, my PSA had dropped to 5.3 and I reduced my dosage to 750mg. Through June 1st, 2014, my PSA was at 3.0 and level. I am now continuing to monitor to date August 1st, 2014 with a PSA of 3.0 HC
4.7Patient Review
12/29/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
This drug has been working great for me. When I started, my PSA was 22. Last check in Nov 2013, it was down to 0.013. In combination with Lupron shots every 3 months, this treatment has been really effective.
4.7Patient Review
5/7/2014
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I am so pleased with how this treatment has worked for my father. In just 13 days, his PSA levels have dropped from 214 to 125. He's feeling great and we are attributing it all to the grace of God.
4.7Patient Review
8/9/2014
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I began taking 1000mg of this drug on 12/1/2013 when my PSA was 35.8. By 3/1/2014, my PSA had reduced to 5.3, so I decreased the dosage to 750mg. As of 8/1/2014, my PSA is still at 3.0.
4.3Patient Review
10/27/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
I was diagnosed in 1995 with a PSA of 83. I underwent radiation, Lupron, and casodex treatment which worked until recently when my PSA went from 9 to 19. After 3 weeks on Zytiga, my PSA is now back down to 9 with minimal side effects.
4.3Patient Review
11/25/2019
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
So far, this drug has been a miracle for me. My PSA level dropped from over 400 to just 7.2 in less than 2 months without any side effects. I'm participating in a clinical trial right now and I don't know what's going to happen when it's over. This medication has greatly improved the quality of my life in all areas.
4.3Patient Review
10/27/2013
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
After my initial diagnosis in 1995 and various treatments over the years, this is the first one that has worked with minimal side effects.
4.3Patient Review
11/25/2019
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
So far, this drug has been working really well for me. My PSA levels have dropped from 400 to 7.2 in less than two months, and I haven't experienced any negative side effects. I'm participating in a clinical trial right now, and I'm worried about what will happen when the study is over.
4Patient Review
1/31/2015
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
This treatment was highly effective for me. Within two months, my PSA dropped from 600 to 10 after taking Zytiga and Prednison. I experienced very few side effects, which was great.
4Patient Review
1/31/2015
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Zytiga and Prednison really helped lower my PSA levels. I saw a difference within two months, and experienced few side effects.
4Patient Review
1/30/2017
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
After switching from Casodex to Zytiga, I saw a significant decrease in my PSA levels over the course of six months.
4Patient Review
1/30/2017
Zytiga for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
After I stopped using Casodex and started taking Zytiga, my PSA levels decreased significantly over the course of six months.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about zytiga

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How long do you take Zytiga?

"Many people with prostate cancer must take Zytiga for 2-3 years, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in treatment costs."

Answered by AI

How long can you survive Zytiga?

"Patients who took Zytiga had an average lifespan of 35.3 months, while those who took the placebo only lived for 30.1 months on average."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Zytiga?

"If you are feeling any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing menopause: fatigue, joint pain, high blood pressure, nausea, leg or feet swelling, low blood potassium levels, hot flushes, diarrhea."

Answered by AI

What is the side effect of Zytiga?

"ZYTIGA® may cause some serious side effects. These include high blood pressure, low potassium levels in the blood, fluid retention, and irregular heartbeats."

Answered by AI

Is Zytiga a form of chemotherapy?

"Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) is used to treat men with metastasized prostate cancer, alongside prednisone. It is not a form of chemotherapy, despite being used to treat cancer."

Answered by AI

What does the drug Zytiga do?

"ZYTIGA is a prescription medication that is to be used in conjunction with prednisone. It is specifically meant to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body in male patients."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Zytiga

Have you considered Zytiga clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Zytiga, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Zytiga clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Zytiga, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Zytiga clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Zytiga, we think they might fit your search criteria.