Zytiga for Prostate Cancer

Posted by donnelson @donnelson, May 4, 2018

Zytiga is the newest prostate cancer medicine with a price tag of $10-11,000 per month. Has anyone been on it?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

I have been on Zytiga (generic) for almost 2 years now at a dose of 250 mg once daily with a light breakfast. My insurance cost for this product is $10 each month. I discovered a study that had been done several years ago using this dosage regimen and it has been working well for me so far along with Lupron every three months.

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@rxharleydude

I have been on Zytiga (generic) for almost 2 years now at a dose of 250 mg once daily with a light breakfast. My insurance cost for this product is $10 each month. I discovered a study that had been done several years ago using this dosage regimen and it has been working well for me so far along with Lupron every three months.

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I was on Zytiga, and doing well until I developed a serious breathing problem. I am now using Relugolix for 1 year this month with a PSA of 0.26, and no breathing problems thus far.

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@bill6161

I have been taking Abiraterone (Zytiga) for a few months at 1000mg per day but because of recent elevate Liver function numbers was told to cut back to 500 mg per day. Other than this, the radiation and hormone treatments have only caused me to have very tolerable hot flashes and some reduce energy. However the cost of Abiraterone has been in the neighborhood of $1600 and now $1300 per month thru Mayo's pharmacy.. I recently learned that using a discount card through other pharmacies I can get this med at 1/4 this amount. Is there any problem or negative reason in switching to a cheaper pharmacy?

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No problem with discount card. I use GoodRX and pay $225/mo (at 1000mg/day).
If you wish to try mail order, Mark Cuban's Cost Plus pharmacy is even less expensive (https://costplusdrugs.com/medications/abiraterone-acetate-250mg-tablet/). I haven't try them yet, as I'm just starting the abiraterone.

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@dean10

No problem with discount card. I use GoodRX and pay $225/mo (at 1000mg/day).
If you wish to try mail order, Mark Cuban's Cost Plus pharmacy is even less expensive (https://costplusdrugs.com/medications/abiraterone-acetate-250mg-tablet/). I haven't try them yet, as I'm just starting the abiraterone.

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Many thanks. This is just the information I need. - Bill

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@philnob

I was on Zytiga, and doing well until I developed a serious breathing problem. I am now using Relugolix for 1 year this month with a PSA of 0.26, and no breathing problems thus far.

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What happens after Zytiga. My impression is that everyone becomes resistant (rising PSA = Biochemical Recurrence) or has side effects that results in cessation of Zytiga during the 2 year time period. So what is next?
I have High Risk Aggressive adenocarcinoma w pelvic LN metastasis and 75 yrs. I am not castrate resistant. I have had IMRT and am now treated w Lupron(8mos) and Zytiga (2mos). PSA was 80 in Mar and is now 0.4.
Thanks for any reply.

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@rxharleydude

I have been on Zytiga (generic) for almost 2 years now at a dose of 250 mg once daily with a light breakfast. My insurance cost for this product is $10 each month. I discovered a study that had been done several years ago using this dosage regimen and it has been working well for me so far along with Lupron every three months.

Jump to this post

I have been on Zytiga 2 tabs 2 hours before breakfast plus 5mgm of prednisolone at breakfast. Please read instructions for use again as my info states should be taken only after 2 hours from eating and at least 1 hour before next meal.

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@hobok55

I have been on Zytiga 2 tabs 2 hours before breakfast plus 5mgm of prednisolone at breakfast. Please read instructions for use again as my info states should be taken only after 2 hours from eating and at least 1 hour before next meal.

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For your dose (two tabs) those instructions would be correct. I was only taking one tab with a light, low fat breakfast daily. This was based on a specialized, non-conventional dose study done 3-4 years ago which my oncologist was privy to and was OK with me using it that way. Food significantly ramps up the absorption of Zytiga, so the dose would have to be very low.
Back then, Zytiga was relatively new and very expensive at four tabs daily on an empty stomach and there was no generic available. I had been doing very well on that dose however my PSA’s have been slowly creeping up so a change is in the offing for me. I have a new doctor and he is thinking about changing me to enzalutamide so we will see how that goes. Hope this explanation helps. If you need more info just let me know.

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@rxharleydude

For your dose (two tabs) those instructions would be correct. I was only taking one tab with a light, low fat breakfast daily. This was based on a specialized, non-conventional dose study done 3-4 years ago which my oncologist was privy to and was OK with me using it that way. Food significantly ramps up the absorption of Zytiga, so the dose would have to be very low.
Back then, Zytiga was relatively new and very expensive at four tabs daily on an empty stomach and there was no generic available. I had been doing very well on that dose however my PSA’s have been slowly creeping up so a change is in the offing for me. I have a new doctor and he is thinking about changing me to enzalutamide so we will see how that goes. Hope this explanation helps. If you need more info just let me know.

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My treatment has not been very effective with Zytiga psa rising steadily since start in feb. Now back on Zoladex injections 3 monthly with attendant side effects. I thought that was the case with your treatment (low dose). Luckily all my treatment covered as a veteran. My very best to you.

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@hobok55

I have been on Zytiga 2 tabs 2 hours before breakfast plus 5mgm of prednisolone at breakfast. Please read instructions for use again as my info states should be taken only after 2 hours from eating and at least 1 hour before next meal.

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Is it reducing psa and how much

I have castrate sensitive in my Spine

L2 LUMBAR was nuked year ago On zolodex again but this week psa rose from 1.2 to 4.22 and now 5.32

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@melcanada

Is it reducing psa and how much

I have castrate sensitive in my Spine

L2 LUMBAR was nuked year ago On zolodex again but this week psa rose from 1.2 to 4.22 and now 5.32

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I am having similar experiences to you. I have blood tests each 6 weeks now and PSA has been increasing gradually from 1.4 to 4 over past 9 months. Back on Zolodex only 3 weeks ago, so don't know how things are going. Last scan shows small

tumours in spine, as well as lymphatic and lung indication, but Dr is currently depending solely on PSA results to measure progression of cancer. IMO that's a narrow view. My mobility is limited and worse pain now particularly at night, due Zolodex as I remember from previous treatment last year with radiation and hormone treatment.

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