Zytiga Is Expensive — But You Have More Options Than You Think

If you or a loved one has been prescribed Zytiga (Abiraterone Acetate) for prostate cancer, the price tag can be shocking. Brand-name Zytiga costs roughly $12,000 to $14,000 per month without insurance. Even with coverage, specialty tier copays can run $100 to $500 or more per fill.

For a medication you may need to take every day for months or years, those numbers add up fast. But here's what many patients don't realize: there are multiple ways to significantly reduce what you pay for Zytiga. From generic options to manufacturer savings programs to patient assistance foundations, real help is available.

Let's walk through every option.

How Much Does Zytiga Cost Without Insurance?

Here's a realistic look at what Zytiga and its alternatives cost at cash price (no insurance) as of 2026:

• Brand-name Zytiga (1,000 mg/day): $12,000 to $14,000 per month
• Generic Abiraterone Acetate (1,000 mg/day): $500 to $3,000 per month, depending on pharmacy and manufacturer
• Yonsa (500 mg/day, micronized formulation): Pricing varies, but generally comparable to brand-name Zytiga

The price difference between brand-name and generic is substantial. If you're paying out of pocket, generic Abiraterone Acetate can save you $9,000 to $13,000 per month compared to brand-name Zytiga.

Coupons and Discount Cards

Prescription discount cards and coupon programs can help reduce the cost of generic Abiraterone Acetate at participating pharmacies. While these tools work best for patients who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn't cover the drug, they're worth checking regardless of your situation.

Where to Find Coupons

• GoodRx — search for Abiraterone Acetate to see discounted prices at pharmacies near you
• SingleCare — offers pharmacy-specific discount pricing
• RxSaver — compares prices across multiple pharmacies
• Optum Perks — provides printable or digital discount cards

Important note: these discount cards generally do not apply to brand-name Zytiga, and they cannot be combined with insurance. They work best for generic Abiraterone Acetate purchased at retail or specialty pharmacies.

Prices found through discount cards for generic Abiraterone Acetate can range from approximately $500 to $2,500 per month depending on the pharmacy and your location.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Janssen CarePath Savings Program

Janssen, the manufacturer of Zytiga, offers the CarePath Savings Program for patients with commercial (private) insurance. Key details:

• Eligible patients may pay as little as $0 per month for Zytiga
• Maximum annual benefit applies (check current terms for the specific cap)
• Available for brand-name Zytiga only
• Not available for patients on Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded insurance
• Enrollment is typically done through your specialty pharmacy or at the Janssen CarePath website

If you have commercial insurance and are facing a high copay, this program alone could eliminate your out-of-pocket cost entirely.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

For patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or who can't afford their medication even with insurance, patient assistance programs provide Zytiga at no cost or significantly reduced cost.

Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation (JJPAF)

This is the primary patient assistance program for Zytiga. Key details:

• Provides Zytiga at no cost to qualifying patients
• Available to patients who are uninsured or underinsured
• Income requirements apply (typically based on federal poverty level guidelines)
• Application requires documentation from your doctor
• Medication is shipped directly to your home or doctor's office

If you don't have insurance and would otherwise pay $12,000+ per month, this program could save you over $144,000 per year.

PAN Foundation (Patient Access Network)

The PAN Foundation provides copay assistance grants for patients with specific diagnoses, including prostate cancer. Key details:

• Helps cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
• Available to insured patients (including Medicare)
• Income eligibility requirements apply
• Grants are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and may have limited funding periods

HealthWell Foundation

HealthWell provides similar copay assistance for patients on Medicare or commercial insurance:

• Covers out-of-pocket costs for specific medications
• Prostate cancer fund availability varies — check their website for current status
• Income eligibility requirements apply

Patient Advocate Foundation

PAF offers a Co-Pay Relief program that helps patients with copays for specific diseases. They also provide case management services to help navigate insurance appeals and access issues.

Other Ways to Save on Zytiga

Switch to Generic Abiraterone Acetate

If you're currently on brand-name Zytiga, ask your oncologist about switching to generic Abiraterone Acetate. The medication is the same — same active ingredient, same dose, same FDA standards. The difference is price: generic versions typically cost $500 to $3,000 per month compared to $12,000+ for brand-name.

For more details on your options, see our article on alternatives to Zytiga.

Ask About Yonsa

Yonsa is a micronized formulation of Abiraterone Acetate with a lower daily dose (500 mg vs. 1,000 mg for Zytiga) and no empty-stomach requirement. Depending on your insurance plan, Yonsa may have different copay requirements that could be more favorable. Ask your doctor and insurance company.

Use a Specialty Pharmacy With Financial Support Services

Many specialty pharmacies have financial counselors on staff who can help you apply for savings programs, navigate insurance, and find the lowest possible cost. When you enroll with a specialty pharmacy, ask whether they offer financial navigation services.

Check for State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs)

Some states offer pharmaceutical assistance programs that help residents pay for expensive medications. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Your doctor's office, hospital social worker, or a patient advocacy organization can help you determine if a program exists in your state.

Explore Medicare Extra Help

If you're on Medicare and have limited income, the Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) program can significantly reduce your Part D drug costs, including specialty medications like Zytiga. Contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or visit medicare.gov to check eligibility.

Final Thoughts

No one should have to choose between cancer treatment and financial ruin. While Zytiga's sticker price is daunting, the combination of generic options, manufacturer savings programs, and patient assistance foundations means that most patients can find a way to access this medication at a cost they can manage.

Start by asking your oncologist about generic Abiraterone Acetate. Then explore the Janssen CarePath program (if you have commercial insurance) or the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation (if you're uninsured). Prescription discount cards from GoodRx or SingleCare can provide additional savings on generic versions.

Need help finding Zytiga in stock? Use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability near you. And for the latest on availability, read our Zytiga shortage update for 2026.