How Assistance Works
Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience
-
1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification
Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
-
2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma®
We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.
-
3. Prior Authorization
Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.
-
4. Copay Assistance & Financial Aid
We secure financial aid and decrease copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and high deductibles. To date, AmeriPharma® Specialty Care has secured $55 million in financial assistance for our patients.
-
5. Nursing Care Coordination If Needed
AmeriPharma® puts your schedule and home environment first when scheduling and coordinating one of our specialized nurses for your in-home infusions.
-
6. Delivery Coordination
Medications are always delivered in strict compliance with the specific requirements for shipping. Next-day and overnight cold-chain deliveries are coordinated around your schedule.
What Is Abiraterone?
Abiraterone Acetate is also known by the brand names Zytiga and Yonsa. It is an antineoplastic (anti-cancer) drug that belongs to a class called antiandrogen therapy.
Abiraterone is a type of chemotherapy that prevents cancer cells from multiplying and restricts their growth.
What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment in which certain drugs are used to kill cancerous cells. These drugs are usually cytotoxic chemical substances that are toxic to the cells, restrict their growth, prevent their division, and ultimately kill the cells.
How Is Abiraterone Used?
Abiraterone has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for males to treat many different types of prostate cancer. It can be prescribed alone or with other medications simultaneously.
Available Formulations
Abiraterone is only available as oral uncoated, film-coated, or micronized tablets. The formulations are not interchangeable; do not substitute between formulations. Abiraterone is available in three different doses: 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg.
Different formulations:
- Zytiga 250 mg tablets are produced in film-coated and uncoated tablets.
- Zytiga 500 mg tablets are film-coated.
- Yonsa is a micronized (fine particle) formulation, available in 125 mg dose only.
- Generic formulations are available in 250 mg and 500 mg doses.
Copay and Financial Assistance
AmeriPharma™ Specialty Pharmacy alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families
-
Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs
-
One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process
-
Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding
Directions for Use
Abiraterone is typically dosed at 500 mg or 1000 mg once a day. The dose may be lowered with impaired liver function. Most of the time, it is prescribed in combination with a corticosteroid therapy like prednisone or methylprednisone. Verify the correct doses and frequencies with your provider. The dose should not be more or less than what is prescribed. Since different formulations of abiraterone acetate have varying food and dosing requirements, ensure the correct formulation is selected.
Swallow tablets whole with water; do not break, crush, chew, or allow the tablets to be dissolved in your mouth. If tablets are broken or damaged, avoid inhalation or contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Zytiga must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Yonsa, on the other hand, may be administered with or without food.
Missed Dose
This medicine needs to be administered on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your normal dose the next day. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor right away. Do not administer double doses to make up for a missed dose.
Storage
Store tablets in their original containers in a cool, dry place at room temperature and ensure the bottle is tightly closed.
Abiraterone Side Effects
Serious side effects include:
- Adrenocortical insufficiency (AI)
- Liver complications
- Cardiac complications
- Low blood sugar
Other common side effects include:
- Flushing
- Muscle, joint pain, or swelling
- Heartburn
- Cough
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Nose or throat irritation
- Trouble sleeping
Insurances Accepted
We accept Medicare, multi-state Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Blue Shield, and most private insurances. Call us to find out more about your coverage.
Get Started in Minutes
Fill out your information and one of our specialists will call you ASAP.
How Much Can You Save?
Speak with a copay assistance specialist
(877) 778-0318
By submitting, you agree to AmeriPharma’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Notice of Privacy Practices