HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

First dose of Zytiga (generic) down the hatch - What to expect?

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/2/2021 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Just started with the Abiraterone Acetate this morning. The Med Onc has me on what I understand is a lower dose (500mg/day), so I am hoping that means a lower risk of the nastier possible side effects as well. Because I am taking the lower dose, he is also having me take it with a low-fat breakfast every morning along with a 5mg Prednisone.

I am also on Lupron which I began just over a month ago. Side effects from that so far have been pretty mild. Hot flashes (which are tolerable) and the need for a short nap every afternoon.

My question is for any of you with experience taking Zytiga along with Lupron, I know there are many of you here!
How long does it usually take to start experiencing side effects from Zytiga? For example, if it is going to give me nausea, is it something that would happen immediately, or would it take a while before I start to experience nausea.

Would love to hear from you guys what your experience was as you began taking these drugs. I have read all about the possible side effects, and received counseling from the pharmacists, but what I can't seem to find out is how long it takes for these possible SEs to start. I am asking because I think it would be nice to know that once I cross a particular threshold, I might have some reassurance that my SEs won't be too bad. Maybe that sounds dumb but I think we all look for little victories wherever we can find them.

Best,
Mic (GeetarMan)
Posted 12/2/2021 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
no problem with the Abiraterone Acetate. I take a full doze...4 large pills every morning one hour before I eat. Only side effects is from the Degarelix shot I get once a month...minor hot flashes
Posted 12/2/2021 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Mic - Do you know yet what the patient cost part is for Abiraterone Acetate? It can be really expensive on Part D Medicare plans so just trying to understand how it is working for you so far if you know.
Posted 12/2/2021 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
At some point, fatigue began to set in. However the fatigue was nothing like I experienced taking xtandi. Prednisone can effect us after a while. My wife said it changed my attitude during the course of treatment. Anyone taking steroids can possibly be impacted. Overall, I think that I tolerated this treatment pretty well. My wife might tell a different story.
Michael
Posted 12/2/2021 8:24 PM (GMT 0)

Mumbo said...
Mic - Do you know yet what the patient cost part is for Abiraterone Acetate? It can be really expensive on Part D Medicare plans so just trying to understand how it is working for you so far if you know.

I'm getting co-pay assistance so I am paying $10/month. On my plan, without the co-pay assistance, it would be $160/mo.

Also, the co-pay assistance I get is only good if it comes from a certain manufacturer. I think it's Midas but not 100% sure.
Posted 12/3/2021 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Good to hear, the University seems to do a good job with their pharmacy department. Did they help you with the assistance?
Posted 12/3/2021 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think you'll notice any real changes(if you are lucky and I know you are). Lupron is the real deal. By the way, taking with a meal is equivalent to taking a full dose. Also, the prednisone is considered cortisol “replacement”, which can help reduce side effects from Zytiga treatment. It doesn't cause any real side effects on its own. This month I am starting my 5th year of Zytiga. The past 4 years have kept me at <0.01 so I am happy with all the side effects.
Posted 12/3/2021 10:54 PM (GMT 0)

Been on ZYTIGA, and now the generic version --- Abiraterone Acetate --- along with the tiny PREDNISONE tablets --- each day --- for over six years.

I take four 250 mg tablets each day.

My protocol dictates that I don't eat any food two hours before taking the ZYTIGA (Abiraterone Acetate) tablets --- and for one hour after.

So --- I just take it first thing in the morning! Easy, breezy!

I have found that drinking some water first truly helps buffer any nausea.

I drink water in between taking each tablet --- and I wait a couple minutes between taking each tablet --- with sips of water in between.

Once --- in a hurry one morning --- I "wolfed down" all four tablets, without drinking water in between. Dry heaves followed. Yikes!

My lesson learned? Healthy hydration --- sips of water --- before, during, and after taking each tablet. Take your time in taking each tablet.

I have tolerated this medication extremely well.

It has been a GODSEND to me! I'm thankful every day.

My latest PSA level was in the U-N-D-E-T-E-C-T-A-B-L-E range!

Keep us posted, GeetarMan!

CYCLONE - # Iowa State University
Posted 12/3/2021 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thank God for modern medicine Mr. Cyclone!!! So awesome.
Posted 12/3/2021 11:47 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, indeed, GeetarMan!

Remember to add your ZYTIGA experiences to the extensive thread entitled "ZYTIGA: OUR COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCES" --- it details so many first-hand experiences.

My local oncologist is still tracking my progress on ZYTIGA --- I just saw him this week. I was the first fellow at my local treatment center to begin ZYTIGA ...

I still remember that first PSA test, after I started ZYTIGA. My PSA started tumbling down ... my doctor and I were jubilant that day!

I will never forget that day! JUBILANT! Best descriptive word I can think of to describe the emotions of that day!

Sending my encouragement and positive thoughts across the miles!

Handshake, fellowship, camaraderie ~~~

CYCLONE - # Iowa State University
Posted 12/4/2021 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the preview of coming attractions. My MO at Dana-Faber recommended a month ago that I start Zytiga plus Prednisone. I've played phone tag with the VA for a couple of weeks, but now have an appointment with a VA MO week after next. I expect the VA will approve Zytiga based on my D-F MO's notes from my last visit. If approved it will be no cost to me through the VA. If for some reason not approved D-F will then initiate battle with my Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan. But in the meantime it is now a month since my MO recommended this and I'm still slowly pushing back against inertia and really need to get this started while it is still in local lymph nodes.
Jim
Posted 12/4/2021 3:16 PM (GMT 0)
Bohemond
I have been on Degarelix and zytiga/prednisone for almost two years now from the VA... No big thing.. It works... The Lord knows how to make the medical field come up with great stuff to keep us all going....
Posted 12/4/2021 3:36 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, Bohemond ---

You and GeetarMan are both starting ZYTIGA (Abiraterone Acetate) --- and I will do anything I can to support you both --- and to send my encouragement, along with our other compadres here who have been on ZYTIGA.

There's about 75 or more empty ZYTIGA bottles lined up on my shelf now. That's over 75 months' worth of new sunrises and sunsets.

I'm looking forward to a NEW YEAR ahead --- and I hope I need another shelf for more ZYTIGA bottles!

Looking at that shelf, for a moment each day --- fills me with GRATITUDE beyond words.

Here's to building your own "collection" of empty ZYTIGA bottles, good sir!

Fellowship, handshake, best wishes sent your way ---
CYCLONE - # Iowa State University
Posted 12/5/2021 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
After a trial of xtandi in September/October I stopped the med d/t extreme fatigue and mental fog. Very severe, to the degree that I would not take anything if Xtandi was my only option. Im now on Zytiga and prednisone and eligard. Side effects are much more tolerable, no nausea, some fatigue and lowered endurance mentally/physically. I wonder if the xtandi effects are still lingering. My 8 week Zytiga labs are due in a week or so.
Hang in there !
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply