Have a prescription for Zytiga and looking to lower your copays? We can help! Click here.
If you’re looking to compare Xtandi vs Zytiga you’ve come to the right place. Here at QuickRx we carry both medications and offer nationwide delivery! Xtandi (enzalutamide) and Zytiga (abiraterone acetate, also known by the brand name Yonsa) are both medications used to treat advanced prostate cancer, but they work in different ways. Xtandi is an androgen receptor inhibitor that blocks the effects of androgens on cancer cells, while Zytiga is a CYP17 (an enzyme that aids in the biosynthesis of steroidal hormones) inhibitor that reduces the production of androgens in the body. Both drugs have shown efficacy in extending the lives of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and delaying disease progression. However, they have different side effect profiles and administration methods. Xtandi is taken orally once a day, while Zytiga is also taken orally but is often used in combination with prednisone. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, with treatments ranging from surgery to hormone therapy. Both drugs have shown significant efficacy, but they work in different ways and have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different patients. Let’s explore the key differences and similarities between Xtandi and Zytiga.
Comparing Mechanisms of Action: Xtandi vs. Zytiga
- Xtandi: Xtandi is an androgen receptor inhibitor that works by blocking the effects of androgens, such as testosterone, on prostate cancer cells. By inhibiting the androgen receptor, Xtandi helps slow down the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.
- Zytiga: Zytiga is a CYP17 inhibitor that works by inhibiting an enzyme called CYP17, which is involved in the production of androgens. By blocking this enzyme, Zytiga reduces the production of androgens in the body, which can help slow down the progression of prostate cancer.
Administration of Xtandi vs. Zytiga
- Xtandi: Xtandi is taken orally, usually as a capsule, once a day. It is important to take Xtandi as prescribed by a healthcare provider, preferably at the same time each day.
- Zytiga: Zytiga is also taken orally, typically as a tablet, once a day. It is often taken in combination with a corticosteroid called prednisone to help manage side effects and improve its effectiveness.
Effectiveness of Xtandi vs. Zytiga
- Xtandi: Clinical studies have shown that Xtandi can significantly extend the life of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) compared to a placebo. It has also been shown to delay the progression of the disease.
- Zytiga: Zytiga has also been shown to be effective in extending the lives of men with mCRPC. It is often used in combination with prednisone and has been shown to delay the progression of the disease in patients who have already received chemotherapy.
Side Effects
- Xtandi: Common side effects of Xtandi include fatigue, hot flashes, hypertension, and headache. It can also cause more serious side effects, such as seizures, falls, and fractures.
- Zytiga: Common side effects of Zytiga include fatigue, joint swelling or pain, hot flashes, and hypertension. It can also cause more serious side effects, such as liver toxicity and electrolyte abnormalities.
Cost and Availability
- Both Xtandi and Zytiga are available by prescription only and can be expensive, although generic versions of Zytiga may be more affordable. It’s important to check with your insurance provider for coverage options in your specific plan. However, if you have a prescription and have gone through it all with your insurance and searching for other options, look no further than QuickRx. We have a dedicated team of professionals who will help point you in the right direction toward qualifying for copay assistance.
Xtandi and Zytiga are both important treatment options for men with advanced prostate cancer, and the choice between the two depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of any other medical conditions. It’s essential to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
