Has your doctor told you or someone in your family has prostate cancer? Then you may have been prescribed a medicine called Apalutamide. Its brand name is ERLEADA. So you may have questions about this medicine. So today, let's talk about this medicine simply and precisely.
What is Apalutamide?
Simply put, this is a medicine that is given to treat prostate cancer. Testosterone, a male hormone in our body, and other hormones like it, help cancer cells grow. So this medicine blocks the action of those hormones. Then the spread and growth of cancer cells is controlled.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medicine for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you start using Apalutamide, it is very important to tell your doctor about your health. You should especially tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Illness or condition | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Conditions such as brain tumors, head injuries, seizures, or strokes | This medicine may sometimes increase the risk of seizures. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol | This information is important because the medication can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| Diabetes | Blood sugar levels may need to be monitored during treatment. |
| Osteoporosis | Long-term use of this medication may weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures. |
| Allergy to apalutamide or other medicines, foods, or dyes | This is essential to prevent an allergic reaction. |
| If your partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is a pill to take by mouth. It is best to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.
- If you have trouble swallowing the pills whole, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to tell you how to take them by mixing them with applesauce, water, or fruit juice.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, take it with food .
- If you experience side effects, your doctor may change your dose or stop taking the medicine for a while. Never stop taking the medicine or change the dose 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 scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share this medicine with anyone else.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal products, and pain relievers), as some medications can interact with Apalutamide and cause problems.
| Medications that should never be taken with Apalutamide | |
|---|---|
| Artemether; Lumefantrine | Lurasidone |
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | Mavacamten |
| Isavuconazonium | Pacritinib |
| Lonafarnib | Praziquantel |
| Lorlatinib | Ranolazine |
| Voriconazole | |
| Other medications that may interact with Apalutamide | |
| Gemfibrozil | Midazolam |
| Itraconazole | Omeprazole |
| Ketoconazole | Rifampin |
| Warfarin | |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take. Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Physical discomfort: Since chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, it is normal to feel uncomfortable and lethargic. However, tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Continue your treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Weakened bones: Taking this medicine for a long time can weaken your bones and increase your risk of fractures. Talk to your doctor about your bone health.
- Serious skin reactions: Sometimes, serious skin reactions can occur weeks after starting the medication. Tell your doctor right away if you develop red or purple blisters, peeling, or peeling skin along with fever and body aches.
- Risk of heart attack and stroke: Heart attacks and strokes have been reported among people using this medication. So talk to your doctor about this risk.
- Family planning: If your partner is able to get pregnant, you must use a condom during sex while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping the medicine. If you have any suspicion that your partner is pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Fertility effects: This medication may affect your fertility. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
- Sperm donation: Do not donate sperm while taking this medication and for 3 months after stopping.
What are the side effects?
Like any medicine, Apalutamide can have side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, nausea, difficulty breathing, sweating. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Breathing difficulties | Dry cough, difficulty breathing. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Other | Seizures, high blood pressure, fever, and swollen glands. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical advice (but should be reported if they persist) | |
| Fatigue | Hot flashes |
| Joint pain | Loss of appetite |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the medicine in the original package it came in. Protect from moisture and light.
- Do not remove the small packet (desiccant) inside the bottle. It is used to keep the medicine dry.
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.
Take-Home Message
- Apalutamide is an important drug for prostate cancer. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you to, at the right time.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any illnesses you have.
- Be sure to use a form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking the medication and for 3 months after stopping.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious side effect, such as heart attack, stroke, or severe skin allergy.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage for any reason without your doctor's advice.
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