Zytiga (Abiraterone) is a prescription medication used to treat men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is used together with a corticosteroid like prednisone to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate, a small gland below the bladder in males that produces fluid for semen. It develops when abnormal cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably. The active ingredient in Zytiga is Abiraterone. Abiraterone belongs to a class of medications known as androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. It works by blocking an enzyme called CYP17, which is a key part of the pathway that produces androgens (male hormones like testosterone). By inhibiting the growth of androgens, Abiraterone slows the development of the cancer.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Zytiga from Canada, manufactured by Janssen and the generic Abiraterone is also available from India and Canada by different manufacturers in the strengths of 250 mg and 500 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Zytiga. The most common side effects of Zytiga may include the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Fatigue;
• Fluid retention;
• Joint pain
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Fast or irregular heartbeats;
• Liver problems;
• Severe headache;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Signs of anemia, including pale skin, tiredness, lightheadedness, cold hands and feet
These are not all of Zytiga's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Zytiga if you are allergic to Abiraterone or any ingredient in Zytiga. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have congestive heart failure;
• Have diabetes;
• Have had a recent heart attack;
• Have liver disease;
• Have low levels of potassium in your blood;
• Have problems with your adrenal gland or pituitary gland
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Zytiga and other medicines, such as repaglinide, apixaban, tamsulosin, metoprolol, oxycodone, St. John's wort, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Zytiga is not for use in women. It can cause harm to a fetus if a pregnant woman is exposed to it. Men should use a condom and effective birth control to prevent transfer of this medication to their pregnant partner while using this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. A breastfeeding woman should not use this medicine.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Zytiga is a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not eat anything for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after you take your dose. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests while using this medicine. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Store this drug at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of the reach of children.