Is abiraterone considered chemotherapy?

Official Answer. Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) is a type of hormone therapy that is used along with prednisone to treat men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized). Despite being used to treat cancer, Zytiga is not a form of chemotherapy.

What drug class is abiraterone?

Abiraterone is used in combination with prednisone to treat a certain type of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Abiraterone is in a class of medications called androgen biosynthesis inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of certain hormones in the body.

How long can you take abiraterone for?

Life expectancy: The studies show that abiraterone acetate can prolong life. In the larger study, about 50 out of 100 men who had the standard treatment were still alive after 3 years, while after the same period of time 70 out of 100 men who had treatment with abiraterone acetate were still alive.

Does abiraterone acetate cure prostate cancer?

Abiraterone won’t cure your prostate cancer, but it can help keep it under control and has been shown to help some men live longer. It can also help to treat or delay symptoms, such as pain and tiredness.

What happens when you stop taking abiraterone?

Low blood potassium If your levels are very low, you may need treatment and your doctor may tell you to stop taking abiraterone. Symptoms of low potassium levels include: weakness. twitching muscles.

What happens if you take abiraterone with food?

Abiraterone acetate (trade named Zytiga) has a greater positive food effect–an increase in the amount absorbed when taken with food–than any other marketed drug that is labeled to be taken on an empty stomach.

What is the cost of abiraterone?

The cost for abiraterone oral tablet 250 mg is around $122 for a supply of 30, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans….Oral Tablet.

Does abiraterone cause tiredness?

Adrenal problems may happen if you stop taking prednisone, get an infection, or are under stress. The most common side effects of ZYTIGA® include: Feeling very tired.

How long can you live with prostate cancer in the bones?

Findings from one 2017 study estimated that in those with prostate cancer that spreads to the bones: 35 percent have a 1-year survival rate. 12 percent have a 3-year survival rate. 6 percent have a 5-year survival rate.

Can you stop abiraterone?

Abiraterone can cause low levels of potassium in the blood. You will have regular blood tests to check your potassium levels. If your levels are very low, you may need treatment and your doctor may tell you to stop taking abiraterone.

Can you drink alcohol while taking abiraterone?

The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or usefulness of abiraterone. is best to use birth control while being treated with abiraterone.

Does Medicare cover Zytiga?

Effective July 1, 2019, coverage will be added for generic Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) with prior authorization to match brand coverage for Medicare. Brand Zytiga will continue to be covered and can be filled for the patient if he or she meets prior authorization criteria.

What is high dose chemotherapy?

Description of High-dose chemotherapy. High-dose chemotherapy: An intensive drug treatment to kill cancer cells, but that also destroys the bone marrow and can cause other severe side effects. High-dose chemotherapy is usually followed by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation to rebuild the bone marrow. Source: National Institute of Health.

What are chemotherapy drugs?

Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can destroy cancer cells by impeding their growth and reproduction. These drugs often are called “anticancer” drugs. Chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously, by injection or by mouth.