Skip to main content

What's the difference between Yonsa and Zytiga?

Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on Sep 25, 2023.

Is Yonsa the same as Zytiga?

Official answer

by drugclasses.com

Yonsa and Zytiga have different dosing and food effects.

Yonsa (abiraterone acetate) from Sun Pharma is a unique, ultramicrosize (smaller particle size) formulation of the oral CYP17 inhibitor abiraterone acetate (approved as Zytiga). Sun Pharma's Yonsa is approved to be used in combination with methylprednisolone for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Yonsa contains the same active ingredient of Zytiga, also used to treat prostate cancer. Abiraterone acetate is converted in the body to abiraterone.

  • The recommended dose of Yonsa for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is 500 mg (four 125 mg tablets) given by mouth once daily in combination with oral methylprednisolone 4 mg twice daily.
  • The recommended dose of Zytiga is 1,000 mg (two 500 mg tablets or four 250 mg tablets) by mouth once daily with prednisone 5 mg by mouth twice daily.
  • In a previous study of healthy volunteers, a dose of Yonsa 500 mg was found to be bioequivalent to a 1000 mg dose of Zytiga.
  • Patients with liver disease may require a lower dose or may not be able to use Yonsa or Zytiga.
  • Zytiga must be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal. However, Yonsa tablets can be taken with or without food. For both products, the tablets should be swallowed whole with water, and do not crush or chew tablets.

Read next

Why is prednisone prescribed with Zytiga?

Zytiga is taken with prednisone to help manage side effects that might occur with this prostate cancer treatment. Zytiga blocks the production of cortisol from your adrenal glands. Prednisone helps to replace the lost cortisol that can cause side effects such as low blood potassium levels, fluid build up (edema), or high blood pressure. Continue reading

How long do you take Zytiga for?

Patients typically take medications such as Zytiga for as long as they are effective for or as long as they can tolerate them.

The median amount of time patients with metastatic prostate cancer remained on Zytiga ranged from 8 to 24 months, according to the results from clinical trials used to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Zytiga in the US. Continue reading

Xtandi vs Zytiga: How do they compare?

Xtandi (enzalutamide) and Zytiga (abiraterone acetate) are both drugs that are used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Results from various analyses indicate that Xtandi is more effective than Zytiga in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread or metastasized, although it’s more commonly associated with fatigue. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups