Zytiga, the original brand of abiraterone, is used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. And it treats two types of prostate cancer including metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).
The word castration means lowering the high level of androgen in the body and metastatic refers to a cancer that spreads to other body parts. The active ingredient of Zytiga works to reduce the production of androgen hormone in the body because androgen is a male hormone that promotes the growth of cancer cells.
However, many pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing the generic version of Zytiga. Because generic Zytiga contains active ingredients of the original drug and costs much less than the brand name drug. So, Zytiga generic is as safe and effective as the original medicine.
What is generic medicine?
A generic medicine is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug. When a brand name drug runs out other pharmaceutical companies make their own copy of this drug and this drug is called generic medicine. Due to low costs a generic medicine is hope for patients who are not able to afford high-cost medicine.
Generic for Zytiga
Zytiga is a brand-name medicine for prostate cancer patients. And it costs up to 12000$ (depending on your location and the pharmacy you visit) for a strip (120 tablets) which is not affordable for general people who have prostate cancer. But a generic Zytiga costs much less than the brand Zytiga. So it’s a hope for those who can’t afford it.
Zytiga generic name
Patriot Pharmaceuticals first launched a generic version of Zytiga on November 23, 2018. Now many pharmaceutical companies manufacturing the generic version of Zytiga such as Hikma, Apotes, Teva, and Mylan launched AB-rated generic versions of Zytiga 250 mg tablets. Some generic versions of Zytiga are –
Zytiga generic doses and drug forms
Doctors prescribe Zytiga generic depending on your several health conditions such as
- Heart condition
- Liver function
- Your regular medicine list
Generally, the regular adult dose of Zytiga generic is 1000 mg oral tablets once a day for both mCRPC and mCSPC. But be sure of your oncologist and follow the instructions that he provides. Don’t change or stop your prescribed Zytiga dosage without your healthcare provider’s permission.
Important facts to know before taking Zytiga generic:
- Women or children should not take Zytiga(Abiraterone).
- Take this medicine after 2 hours of eating
- Pregnant women should not touch this medicine.
- Males with female partners should use effective Birth control
Before taking this medicine consider your several health conditions including
- liver disease
- Heart issue
- Diabetes
- Adrenal gland and pituitary gland issue
Side effects of Zytiga generic
Zytiga can cause mild to serious side effects. We include some common and key side effects that appear while taking Zytiga generic.
Common side effects:
- joint pain
- edema
- headache
- fatigue (lack of energy)
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- Anemia
- Hypertension ( High cholesterol levels
- High blood sugar levels
- High triglyceride levels
- Muscle weakness
- hypoglycemia
- Irritability
Serious side effects:
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- Severe liver problems including Yellowing of the skin or eyes, Darkening of the urine, Severe nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite stomach pain, etc
- Serious allergic reactions include trouble breathing, swelling under your skin (angioedema), etc.
- severe Cardiac disorders, including shortness of breath chest pain dizziness anxiety, etc.
How can I be sure of the quality of generic abiraterone?
In the UK, The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates the use of medicine and approves the generic medicine if they maintain the same standard of the original drug.
To identify the quality of generic abiraterone MHRA maintains some standards. These are
- Must contain the same active ingredients as the original brand.
- Dosage form, strength, and route of administration should be identical.
- Be manufactured following the same strict standards as the original drug.
With these standards, you will also be able to be sure of the quality of generic abiraterone.
Experience after switching to Zytiga generic
Generally, patients can experience any kind of trouble after switching Zytiga to Zytiga generic. Occasionally, when taking a new formulation of a drug some patients may experience some minor problems. However, if you are already on Zytiga you can easily switch to generic abiraterone, but if you suffer any kind of problems as a result of switching then discuss it with your doctor.
The basic difference between Zytiga and other brand
Some alternative brands of Zytiga are available in the market. Like Yonsa, Xtandi, Casodex, etc.
Yonsa vs. Zytiga
Yonsa and Zytiga both have the same active ingredient, abiraterone acetate. But Yonsa contains smaller particles of abiraterone acetate that can easily be absorbed in the blood. You can take Yonsa with or without food. On the other hand, you can’t take Zytiga with food. You must take Zytiga on an empty stomach. Another difference is that Yonsa is used to treat only mCRPC but Zytiga is used for both mCRPC and mCSPC.
Xtandi vs. Zytiga
The main difference between Xtandi and Zytiga is that Xtandi contains enzalutamide and Zytiga contains abiraterone acetate. Their function is the same decreasing male hormone, but their way of function is different. Yonsa can prevent male hormones from attaching to their receptors. On the other hand, Zytiga can block the production of several male hormones.
The success rate of generic Zytiga
Studies show that patients with mCRPC and continuing generic Zytiga lower the 34%risk of death. It can also increase the survival rate for up to three years (83%).
FAQs
Is there a generic Zytiga?
Yes, a generic version of 250 mg Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) is available that contains the same active ingredients as the Zytiga brand.
Is there a generic Zytiga 500 mg available?
No, Zytiga 500 mg Doesn’t have any generic version. The generic version is only available for Zytiga 250 mg.
Is generic Zytiga effective?
Yes, generic Zytiga is as effective and safe as the original brand-name drug. It contains the same active ingredients as the original drug. Just it costs less than the original Zytiga.
How much does generic Zytiga costs?
Zytiga generic costs less than the original brand. The price depends on your location.
Conclusion
Prostate Cancer is the name of fear. Patients with this cancer, their sufferings know no bounds as their medicine costs are too high. But a generic version will make the journey easier. For patients who can’t afford the original drug, generic Zytiga will be the best solution.
If your oncologists prescribe you to continue Zytiga generic, contact with us on WhatsApp https://wa.me/+919999344593 or send me a direct e-mail info@medixocentre.com. We assure you that we will provide you with an authentic source of generic Zytiga.