When your doctor confirms that you or a loved one has prostate cancer, it's normal to have a lot of questions about the medication you're taking. Apalutamide is a very important medication that's often used in these situations. So today, let's answer all your questions about this medication, as simply and clearly as if you were talking to a friend.
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What exactly is this drug called Apalutamide?
Simply put, apalutamide is a drug that controls the growth of prostate cancer cells. Now, look, the hormone testosterone in men's bodies helps some cancer cells grow like "food." It's like watering a plant.
So what this apalutamide drug does is stop the cancer cells from getting the effects of the testosterone hormone. That is, it cuts off the "nutrition" that the cancer cells get. Then the spread or growth of the cancer cells is largely controlled. This is most commonly available under the brand name ERLEADA .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before giving you this medicine, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history. Because some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Medical condition/other matters | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol | Because this medication may slightly increase the risk of heart disease, it is important for your doctor to be aware of your heart health. |
| If you have had a stroke before | This helps to be especially mindful of stroke risk. |
| Diabetes | It makes it easier for the doctor to manage the effects of the medication and the diabetes condition. |
| Seizures, brain tumors, head injuries | This information is very important because this medication rarely causes a risk of seizures. |
| Bone problems | This is important to be aware of the effects of the medication. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | This is essential to know if you are allergic to Apalutamide or any of its ingredients. |
Most importantly: This medication is not prescribed for women . Also, if you are a man who is expecting a child, you should tell your doctor about it. We will talk about that in more detail below.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
- These pills should be taken by mouth with a glass of water.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, as the doctor tells you. Don't skip doses.
- Most importantly: Do not break, crush, or chew these tablets. Swallow the tablet whole.
- It can be taken with or without food. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it after a meal.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you thought, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
This is a very important part. Apalutamide can interact with some other medications. So, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drugs that should never be taken with Apalutamide | |
|---|---|
| |
| Other drugs that may interact with Apalutamide (use only on medical advice) | |
| |
This list is not complete. Therefore, it is safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Things to pay particular attention to
About expecting children
This is very important .
- A man taking this medicine should avoid fathering a child .
- It is not advisable to conceive a child during the entire period of taking the medication and for 3 months after stopping the medication .
- This is because this medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, be sure to use a very effective form of birth control (e.g. condoms) to prevent your partner from getting pregnant. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
Risk of seizures
This medicine has a very rare risk of causing seizures. Therefore, be very careful when doing things that could cause serious harm to yourself or others if you suddenly lose consciousness. For example:
- Driving
- Working at heights
- Making machinery work
- Going swimming alone
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and take action quickly if necessary.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a Heart Attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, fainting. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, or changes in vision. |
| Seizures | Sudden loss of consciousness and body tremors. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Fever and chills with swollen lymph nodes | Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Fatigue | Feeling extremely tired even after doing a small task. |
| Hot flashes | Feeling suddenly hot and sweating. |
| Increased blood pressure | Your doctor will monitor this. |
| Joint pain | Joint pain. |
| Loss of appetite | Decreased appetite. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- The best temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (20-25 °C). That is, normal room temperature.
- Do not keep expired medications, dispose of them properly.
In this article, we have discussed many things in simple terms about Apalutamide. But remember, this is not a substitute for the advice given by your doctor. Feel free to ask your doctor any questions you may have, no matter how small. He or she is the one who can give you the best advice for your situation.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Apalutamide is a drug that controls the growth of prostate cancer cells.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Swallow the pills whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing them.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking the medicine and for 3 months after stopping. Use effective birth control.
- If you notice signs of a serious side effect, such as heart attack, stroke, or seizure, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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