Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Abiraterone (Zytiga) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 250mg Tablets Generic (30-day) | $3,000 – $6,000 | $30 – $500 |
| 500mg Tablets Generic (30-day) | $4,000 – $8,000 | $50 – $800 |
| Brand Zytiga (30-day) | $8,000 – $12,000 | $100 – $1,500 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Generic available; specialty tier; prior auth required
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Generic abiraterone costs $3,000 to $8,000/month. Brand Zytiga costs $8,000 to $12,000/month. Assistance programs can reduce costs.
Abiraterone treats metastatic prostate cancer by blocking an enzyme needed to produce testosterone, even outside the testes.
Yes, standard abiraterone must be taken on an empty stomach (no food for 2 hours before and 1 hour after) with prednisone.