How Effective and What is the Cost and Cost Benefit of Abiraterone

ByShaun Snapp

Executive Summary 

  • Abiraterone is taken as a treatment for prostate cancer.
  • We have never seen a cost-benefit analysis for this drug, so we have done that in this article.

Introduction

Abiraterone is a drug that adjusts male hormones to address cancer of the prostate.

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Comments on Abiraterone

The following comments are from Drug.com on Abiraterone.

Comment #1: Slowed Cancer Growth?

Between zytiga and hormone injections, the spread of my cancer has slowed right down to almost no growth at all. I do have a lot of side effects with it especially chills, hot flashes, some joint pain and weight gain. overall it’s worked quite well.

Comment #2: Non-Generic Zytiga is Too Expensive?

I am 69. Was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 months ago with PSA of 68%. I had the MRI which showed that the cancer had metastasised. Oncologist recommended Zytiga but, where I live (Hong Kong) it costs about HK$30,000 per month.

Can’t afford that.

A medical friend suggested I try India. I did a lot of research and asked friends in India for recommendations and found a supplier at a good price for the generic. I have been taking the generic (Arbiterone – 4×250 micrograms +2 tabs of Predisnone per day) for the last six months. Within two months my PSA was down to 9% and was still at that level three months ago. Side effects – hot flashes, night sweating, and weight-gain. Urologist suggested Clonidine for the hot flashes – worked really well. I see my doctor again in three weeks’ time. He is looking into Olaparib (also called Lynparza) and Ivermectin for me.

Hot flashes are a common side effect of Abiraterone.

Comment #3: PSA Reduction?

My husband was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer nearly 2 yrs ago. It had spread to his pelvis and lower back. He is on hormone injection monthly, 500mg Zytiga and 5 mg prednisone daily. His PSA levels dropped from 48 to 0 since starting medication to date. Main side effects are hot flashes and weight gain which really bothers him but medication definitely working.

Moderate side effects and great outcomes in this case.