Zytiga vs. Yonsa (is it really a generic)

[BigJack28]

I couldn't find my original post giving my newbie info (have no clue how to use this app/chat room but rec'd great responses from NYMets and Redbank. My Oncologist has recommended Zytiga and radiation. I have metastatic IV pristate cancer.

Although Yonsa is a CYP17 inhibitor like Zytiga everything I've read says there is no generic for Zytiga. Does anyone know if the only difference btwn the two drugs is the dosing and/or choice of prednisone that goes along with it, or is it rhe selivery method? I was approved for Zytiga by Medicare but can't afford the meds. The hospital is trying to find me grant money because I don't qualify for any patient assistant program since I have a Med D plan. Are patients getting this Yonsa shipped to them from India? I saw a few comments about that. Of couse, if I was getting infusion/drip chemo, Medicare would pick up all costs. This whole thing sucks.

[Hidden]

Hi,

How's the big boy doing, I'm going to the park soon to let my Aussie herd.

To review your previous posts, access your home page:

Click on your name (Bigjack28) link, then will get a menu to review all your posts...

I'm currently getting monthly generic Zytiga prsecriptions, from Mylan. The pharmacy is Caremed Specialty LLC, which has a contract with my health insurer Aetna.

The price will be different per insurer, since the generic Zytiga offering is new, I'm sure Medicaid is behind as usual...

[BigJack28 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks again...Geno is doing great and amazingly helpful to me right now. It's like he knows. The hospital is confident about my grant money, I just feel waiting each day, there is more growth going on. I think I need something for my head if you know what I mean. Just can't stop thinking and thinking

[Hidden]

Yonsa is not a generic, it is a branded version. Dose is 500mg daily (half the Zytiga) and no fasting requirement. There are a couple of generics for Zytiga available. I started this month and was dispensed Abiraterone 250mg tabs from West-Ward/Hikma pharma. Said to cost 30% less than Zytiga but I don't know that for sure.

[BigJack28 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the info...our heakthcare system amazes me wvery day

[j-o-h-n]

To Bigjack28 Here's your original post: <===<<<

Hi redbank and NYMets. I was just diagnosed week of Christmas with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone (spot on hip and T7). PSA has always been normal and exams were always good so this is a complete shock and honestly I'm scared shitless. Just started Casadex on Jan 5 and got a shot of Eligard Jan 14. Don't meet the oncologist till Jan 21 but Urologist told me it's either Xtandi or Zytiga/prednisone combo. I don't know which one is better than the other. I'll take whatever treatment and as much as they want to give me (we all qant another day, right?), but everything my wife reads has me knockin on heaven's door. Any advice? Combat stories? Side effect issues? Thanks for listening

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 01/28/2019 10:24 PM EST

[Mkeman in reply to j-o-h-n]

In August of 2017 I was diagnosed with Gleason 9, Stage 4 prostate cancer with Mets on right hip, right shoulder and L3. The diagnosis came from tissue saved from a HOLEP procedure performed to relieve BPH. My MO immediately started

Me on Casodex for two weeks and began Eligard injections every three months. In January of this year she added Zytiga and 5 mg of prednisone twice a day which she later cut to 2.5 mg twice a day. Since starting the Zytiga my PSA has been undetectable. Side effects have mainly been related to fatigue due to lack of testosterone. Last week she lowered my Zytiga from 4 pills daily to 3 and is confident that I will continue to do well and that the lower dose will help with the fatigue. She is not an advocate of supplements other than calcium and vitamin D. I have had one infusion of Zometa to help with the osteoporosis accelerated by the cancer drugs. She plans another infusion at the one year mark. I feel pretty good..walk the mall several days a week and see a physical therapist once a month who has helped me retain muscle mass and strengthen muscles needed for mobility and balance. I am 81 and my MO seems confident that I will be around a long time.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Mkeman]

Great for and 81 year old dude.... keep up the good work....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Wednesday 01/30/2019 4:15 PM EST