Starting Zytiga

[kick-prostate-cancer]

My husband starts a low-dose of Zytiga (250 mg) with a low-dose of Prednisone (5 mg) tomorrow. For those of you one Zytiga now, or have been previously, how soon after starting did you experience any side effects? Thanking you in advance for any responses.

[16starsky]

My Husband started Zytiga in Dec, luckily no real side effects, apart from a little fatigue at around 9pm, but he dosn't s still all day, has to be doing something. The only thing I have noticed is the mood changes, which I normally ignore, but sometimes can be quite hurt full towards me. But I know its the medication, so normally let it go !!!I do a low carb diet, as not to pile on the pounds, which is working (hes lost a stone in 6months)

Wishing you good luck

Kim

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to 16starsky]

Thank you!

[dhccpa in reply to 16starsky]

Full dose or low dose?

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to dhccpa]

Are you asking me or 16starsky?

[dhccpa in reply to kick-prostate-cancer]

Anyone taking Zytiga can answer. I've been monitoring the full/low dose discussion in preparation for (possibly) starting Zytiga down the line.

[16starsky in reply to dhccpa]

500mgs (2tablets) plus 2 x5mg prednisone twice a day.Chemo worked for GL9, then caxodex added, which did nothing at all. Now Zytiga since Dec 2020

[GoBucks in reply to 16starsky]

16, I might as well change my name to "Dick". That's what my wife calls me.🤪

[6357axbz]

I started full dose (1000 mg/day) abiraterone after having taken lupron for nearly a year. I experienced zero additional SEs.

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to 6357axbz]

That's great! My husband has been on Lupron for 2.5 years, has gone through 6 cycles of Docetaxel, 2 sets of SBRT, and is still have slight reoccurances of bones mets. That's why we're starting the Zytiga. I hope he, like you, does not experience any SE!!

[Frigataflyer in reply to 6357axbz]

Me too.

[Tall_Allen]

Why the low dose? Usually done the other way - start with the effective dose and reduce if a problem. Also unsure if 5 mg prednisone is the right dose with it, This is very peculiar.

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to Tall_Allen]

My husband also has PSP (look it up ... it's horrific!!!), so we are trying to minimize the cognitive issues that can result from Zytiga. We were told that 5 mg of Prednizone matches the 250 mg dose of Zytiga. Do you know otherwise?

With his diagnosis of PSP, it's a balancing act between to two diseases.

[Tall_Allen in reply to kick-prostate-cancer]

I think he has a good case to get Nubeqa, which doesn't penetrate the blood-brain barrier. I have no idea if 5mg prednisone is too much for a 250 mg dose of zytiga - it's never been tested. I guess all he can do is take it. But another benefit of Nubeqa is he doesn't need prednisone with it.

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to Tall_Allen]

We will speak with his care team about this. Tell me more about Nubeqa, please!!

[Tall_Allen in reply to kick-prostate-cancer]

It's indicated for non-metastatic CRPC, but I think you can make a good case for it with your insurance because of the PSP.

[kick-prostate-cancer in reply to Tall_Allen]

Talked to my husband's Standford MO about your suggestion. She thinks that starting with a low dose Zytiga is the best thing at this point in time. Our NEXT step would be Nubeqa. And, she agrees with me that, due to his PSP diagnosis, insurance should cover it. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUGGESTION!!!

[Tall_Allen in reply to kick-prostate-cancer]

I'm not sure what benefit there is to taking an inadequate dose of Zytiga, but if it helps make the case to your insurance that Nubeqa is needed, it may be a hoop you have to jump through.

[lincolnj8]

I've been on the Zytiga-prednisone cocktail for about 3 years now. With no "T", I've lost my super strength. Also fight fatigue. Normally super active and require little sleep. Those days are gone. Still harvest the firewood. At age 70, I can't complain. My PSA was at 800 3 1/2 years ago, and now is undetectable. On the high dose (1000mg a day) plus the prednisone. Hope this information helps you.

[Lettuce231]

It's difficult to calculate what exactly is giving the side effects, we all take so much to combat this problem.

The reason for taking less Zytiga to help combat future problems makes sense to me.

For me, the 3 monthly jab is the one where I get the most negative side effects from, I think 🤔. I have been on Zytiga for about three years now, the dose I take is 500mg a day, with breakfast. 5mg of prednisone about an hour before. The results are good and I don't feel as shot to pieces as I did on other treatments.

I have put on weight, that annoys me, I have osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, which also annoys me. But I can function well, for the most part.

Good luck.

Phil

[Walter_Gould]

I have been on Zytiga ( 1,000mg ) and prednisone ( 5mg ) for over 10 years. With me, the side effects of the prednisone ( roid rage, appetite, sleep ) are worse than Zytiga ( libido, muscle loss, fatigue ). My latest round of scans showed no visible cancer in my bones or soft tissues and I hope to soon be able to be able to get off Zytiga and prednisone.

[GoBucks in reply to Walter_Gould]

Wow! 10 years. I'm only 6 years behind you.

[33Ford]

I'm on 1000mg of Zytiga and 5mg Prednisone, I don't notice much difference over the Eligard by itself. It my be because the Eligard causes so much fatigue the addition of Zytiga was a big nothing, LOL.

[Pheart2]

I’m on Lupron 3 months shots , 250 Zytiga with low fat breakfast and 5 mg Prednisone for almost 2 years now. PSA undetectable and no side effects. Of course Regular exercise and proper diet are must.

[LifeQuality]

I'm on my 2nd month of 250mg + 2.5 prednosone, and I can't say I've noticed any SEs. Lower back pain, often continuous, started within the 3rd day of taking the pills, but I've had lower back and esp. piriformis issues for a long time, so I can't say for sure it's the Zytiga/pred.

[noirhole]

I got a 2.5 year ride on zytiga and pred. Got prednisone moon face and it caused some hypertension. All were resolved when I failed zytiga and lost 80 pounds after being hospitalized for sepsis. Sepsis was caused by nephrostomy tube exchange and a kidney infection that I didn't know I had. Side effects I would gladly experience again if it was still controlling my disease!