Health Guides
Generic Zytiga: A Guide to Abiraterone 250 mg Tablets
Generic Zytiga explained: how abiraterone 250 mg works for prostate cancer, how to take it on an empty stomach, the checks you need and how to order.
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Generic Zytiga is abiraterone acetate, a tablet used to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is taken every day, usually for as long as it keeps the cancer under control, so the cost of a long course matters to many men and their families. A generic version contains the same active ingredient and can make long-term treatment easier to keep up.
This guide covers how abiraterone works, how to take it correctly, the medicines it is taken with, the side effects and checks to expect, and how to order generic abiraterone 250 mg with your prescription. It is written for patients and carers in the US, UK, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Abiraterone is always prescribed and monitored by a cancer specialist or urologist, and this guide does not replace their advice.
Key takeaways
- Abiraterone is the active ingredient in Zytiga. It lowers the hormones that feed most prostate cancers.
- The usual dose is 1,000 mg once a day, which is four 250 mg tablets taken together.
- It must be taken on an empty stomach, because food greatly increases how much is absorbed.
- It is taken with a low dose of a steroid such as prednisone or prednisolone.
- Blood pressure, potassium and liver tests need regular checks.
- A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
How abiraterone works
Most prostate cancers grow in response to male hormones such as testosterone. Hormone therapy that stops the testicles from making testosterone is usually the first step. However, small amounts of these hormones are still made in the adrenal glands and inside the cancer itself.
Abiraterone blocks an enzyme called CYP17, which the body needs to make these hormones in all three places. This lowers male hormones to very low levels and can slow or shrink the cancer. It is used:
- for prostate cancer that has spread and keeps growing despite standard hormone therapy, and
- for high-risk prostate cancer that has spread but still responds to hormone therapy, alongside that therapy.
Men taking abiraterone usually continue their standard hormone injections or implants, unless they have had surgery to remove the testicles.
How to take generic abiraterone 250 mg
- Dose. The usual dose is 1,000 mg once a day, taken as four 250 mg tablets at the same time. Your doctor may lower the dose if you have liver problems or side effects.
- Empty stomach. Take it at least one hour before food, or at least two hours after eating. Taking it with a meal can raise the amount absorbed many times over and increase side effects.
- Swallow whole. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew them.
- With a steroid. Take the low dose of prednisone or prednisolone your doctor prescribes. It reduces side effects caused by the way abiraterone works on the adrenal glands. Do not stop the steroid suddenly.
- Missed dose. If you miss a day, take your usual dose the next day. Do not take a double dose.
Side effects and regular checks
Common side effects include tiredness, hot flushes, swelling of the ankles or legs, joint pain, urinary infections and indigestion. Because abiraterone changes the hormones made by the adrenal glands, it can also cause:
- High blood pressure. Your blood pressure will be checked regularly.
- Low potassium. This can cause muscle weakness, cramps or an irregular heartbeat. Blood tests check your potassium level.
- Fluid retention. Tell your doctor about swelling or sudden weight gain.
- Liver changes. Liver blood tests are done often in the first months and then regularly. Contact your doctor if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe nausea.
Tell your care team about heart problems, as abiraterone may need extra care. Get urgent help for chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, fainting or severe breathlessness.
Handling and pregnancy
Abiraterone can harm an unborn baby. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle the tablets without gloves. Men should use a condom during treatment and for a week after if their partner is or could become pregnant.
Generic Zytiga: why it costs less
The original maker of a medicine prices it to recover years of research and trials. After the patent ends, other makers can produce the same active ingredient without repeating that work, and competition lowers the cost. Generic abiraterone acetate 250 mg contains the same active ingredient at the same strength as Zytiga 250 mg. The tablet may look different, but the dose is the same.
Planning your supply
| Point | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Tablets per day | The usual dose is four 250 mg tablets a day. | Allow about 120 tablets for 30 days at the full dose. |
| Steroid tablets | Abiraterone is taken with prednisone or prednisolone. | Make sure your steroid supply lasts as long as your abiraterone. |
| Dose changes | Your dose may change after liver tests. | Confirm your current dose before each order. |
| Delivery time | International shipping takes time. | Reorder when you still have three to four weeks of tablets left. |
Our abiraterone and related products
Our generic abiraterone product is Zecyte 250, abiraterone acetate 250 mg tablets. Other prostate cancer medicines in our oncology category include Calutide 50, bicalutamide 50 mg. Read our guide to generic Casodex to learn how it differs from abiraterone.
How to order generic abiraterone safely
- Get a valid prescription. Abiraterone must be prescribed by your specialist. A valid prescription is required for every order.
- Check the strength. Make sure the product is abiraterone acetate 250 mg and work out how many tablets you need per day.
- Order enough. Choose a supply that fits your prescription and the expiry date.
- Plan for delivery. Orders are shipped worldwide by EMS or registered mail in discreet packaging. See how to order.
- Keep your care team informed. Tell them which generic you take and keep every blood test appointment.
Our guide on how to buy generic medicines online explains each step in more detail. If you have a question, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Is generic abiraterone the same as Zytiga?
It contains the same active ingredient, abiraterone acetate, at the same strength. Only the look of the tablet and some inactive ingredients may differ.
Why must abiraterone be taken on an empty stomach?
Food, especially fatty food, can increase the amount absorbed many times over, which raises the risk of side effects. Taking it the same way every day keeps the level steady.
Do I have to take prednisone with abiraterone?
Yes, unless your specialist tells you otherwise. The steroid helps prevent high blood pressure, low potassium and fluid retention.
How long will I take abiraterone?
Usually for as long as it keeps the cancer under control and you tolerate it. Your specialist will review this with blood tests and scans.
Can I drink grapefruit juice?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Some foods and many medicines can affect how abiraterone is broken down, so mention everything you take.
Browse our full range of generic prostate cancer medicines online, all supplied with a valid prescription.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace professional advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Medicines mentioned in this guide
All medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription. Prices shown are for the smallest pack.
About this guide
Written by the rxptteam8. We base our guides on official sources such as the NHS, the US FDA, the EMA and MedlinePlus, and we update them when guidance changes. Last updated .