Apalutamide

Generic name: Apalutamide
Brand names: Erleada
Dosage form: oral tablet (240 mg; 60 mg)

Usage of Apalutamide

Apalutamide is to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and still responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone.

Apalutamide is also used to treat prostate >cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body, after surgery or other treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Apalutamide belongs to a class of medications called androgen receptor inhibitors. It works by blocking the effects of androgen (a male reproductive hormone) to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

This medicine is not approved for use in women or children.

Apalutamide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to apalutamide: (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Apalutamide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain, feeling short of breath;

a seizure;

a fall; or

signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Accidental falls may be more common in older adults who take this medicine. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common apalutamide side effects may include:

hot flashes;

diarrhea, loss of appetite;

weight loss;

tiredness;

falls;

rash;

joint pain;

increased blood pressure; or

bone fractures.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Apalutamide

To make sure apalutamide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a head injury or brain tumor;

a seizure;

a stroke;

heart disease, high blood pressure;

diabetes; or

high cholesterol or triglycerides.

Apalutamide can harm an unborn baby if the father is using this medicine.

Use birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Men using apalutamide should use condoms during treatment. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs.

It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this medicine. Do not donate sperm while you are taking apalutamide, and during the 3 months after your last dose.

Apalutamide can weaken your bones. You may be more likely to have a broken bone while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

How to use Apalutamide

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

240 mg orally once a day Comments: -Patients should receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog concurrently or have had a bilateral orchiectomy. Uses: -For the treatment of metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) -For the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)

Warnings

Although apalutamide is not for use by women, this medicine can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical condition, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Apalutamide

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may interact with apalutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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