Zytiga and/or Equivalents

Zytiga

Zytiga Description

Zytiga is the brand name for an advance prostrate cancer medication from Johnson & Johnson. This FDA –approved prescription drug is co-prescribed with prednisone to treat male patients suffering from castration-resistant cancer of the prostrate (CRPC) i.e. when the cancer is no longer affected by surgical or medical processes of lowering the level of testosterone. It is applicable for patients who have previously received treatment with docetaxel despite which the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. The generic molecule of Zytiga is abiraterone acetate. It is available as whitish oval shaped tablets of 250mg strength with AA250 etched on one face. It is sold in polyethylene bottles containing 120 tablets each.

Conditions Treated by Zytiga

Zytiga is used to treat prostrate cancer in men. It is prescribed to those patients who have almost lost all hopes of recovery even after chemotherapy treatment with docetaxel. In such patients, the cancer has become resistant to castration or surgical removal of the affected part and has instead spread to other parts of the patient’s body. Recent research indicates that this prescription drug may also be effective in those patients who have not received chemotherapy or where the cancer in the prostrate is in an early stage.

Zytiga Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Zytiga is an oral medicine which you can take at home. It is available as 250mg tablets with the usual dosage of 1000mg per day to be taken by swallowing four tablets once daily. Zytiga is taken along with prednisone whose standard dosage is 5mg twice per day. You should not crush or divide either tablets but swallow them whole along with water. Accurately follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take your daily dose of Zytiga and prednisone. Always remember to take both the medicines as prednisone may help to alleviate some of the side effects of Zytiga. Your doctor may alter your dose depending on the results of blood tests which he will conduct frequently to check of side effects.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have missed a particular dose of Zytiga or prednisone, it is best to take the extra tablets the next day. In case you have missed taking your medicines for consecutive days, consult your doctor immediately.

c.) Overdosing

In case you have overdosed your daily intake of Zytiga, contact your medical caregiver immediately as you would need monitoring for cardiac failure, hepatic failure or arrhythmia. Typical symptoms of overdosing include discomfort in your bone joints and muscles apart from hot flushes, heart problems or liver dysfunction.

Zytiga Warnings

As is obvious, Zytiga is not for women. In fact, pregnant women should not touch the medicine without wearing some protective clothing like gloves as it may harm your developing fetus. It is also not prescribed to pediatric patients and extreme care should be taken to keep the medication out of their reach. Male patients should always disclose previous records of cardiac or hepatic problems before the commencement of treatment by Zytiga. It is also important for your doctor to know if you have any record of adrenal or pituitary or other endocrine problems. Your doctor should also know about any other medical condition you are suffering from and the medications being taken by you for their treatment. Disclose all information about prescription or non-prescriptions medicine, including dietary supplements or herbal pills which you are taking presently. Always take Zytiga on an empty stomach. Ingesting this medicine along with food may increase its absorption in the body resulting in harmful side effects. Do not eat anything two hours prior to taking your medicine and one hour after ingesting it. Do not discontinue treatment abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. You must take both Zytiga and prednisone together. Consult your physician in case you wish to discontinue the dose. If you are sexually active with your pregnant partner while undergoing treatment with Zytiga, it is important for you to wear a condom during the course of your treatment and also for at least a week after the treatment ends. If your partner is not pregnant, it is best to discuss birth control options with a healthcare provider without taking any risks. Visit your health center regularly for continuous monitoring and have your blood pressure checked for hypertension.

Zytiga Side Effects

Zytiga can have serious side effects on patients like fluid retention in the body (edema), low level of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) or high blood pressure (hypertension). Therefore, before starting your treatment, hold a frank discussion with your doctor regarding the benefits and inherent risks. It is better to bring a friend or family member with you so that s/he can take down important points during the discussion, especially regarding the side effects. Inform your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms appear:

• Abnormally fast heart rate
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Lightheadedness
• A feeling of weakness in your muscles
• An unexplained swelling of your feet or legs

Sudden discontinuation of prednisone can lead to adrenal or hepatic problems for which your doctor will advice you to undergo the necessary blood tests. Additional side effects of this medicine include:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Hot flushes
• Diarrhea
• Erratic heart beat
• Signs of urinary incontinence
• Abnormal swelling in joints accompanied by muscle ache
• Flatulence
• Brittle bones, resulting in frequent fractures
• Cough and cold

Consult your medical caregiver if any of the above symptoms persist for a prolonged period.

Zytiga Drug Interactions

Zytiga contains several inactive ingredients like povidone, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose etc which can interact with the main ingredient abiraterone acetate. It is therefore in your interest to know the entire details about this medicine before starting the treatment. Always disclose all past and present medical history so that your healthcare provider will understand the implications of this particular prescription drug on your constitution. Provide details of allergic reactions in the past, especially to abiraterone or of any cardiac or hepatic impairment. Also share all information about any prescription or non-prescription drug you may be taking at the present, including health supplements or herbal medications. Start your treatment only after you are confident about the treatment and have no misgivings.

If you have any questions about buying discount Zytiga online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Zytiga and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information