Has your doctor told you or someone close to you that you have prostate cancer? Has he prescribed you a drug called Enzalutamide as a treatment for it? It's normal for things to come to mind at a time like this. So, don't worry. Today, let's talk simply about this drug called `Enzalutamide`, its real brand name is `XTANDI`.
What is this medicine called Enzalutamide?
Simply put, Enzalutamide is a drug that blocks the action of a hormone called testosterone, which is produced in the male body. Testosterone is a male hormone. This hormone helps some prostate cancer cells grow. So this drug blocks the effect of that hormone and controls the growth of cancer cells.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medicine for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking Enzalutamide, it is very important to talk to your doctor about your health. If you have any of the conditions listed in the table below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Illness or other factors | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol | Because this medication can affect heart health, it is important for your doctor to be aware of this. |
| If you have had a stroke or seizures | Because this medication can sometimes increase the risk of seizures , it is essential to know your previous history. |
| If you have a head injury or a brain tumor | The doctor should be aware of these conditions, as they can affect the risk of seizures . |
| Bone problems | Hormone therapy can affect bone strength. |
| If you have allergies to enzalutamide, other medicines, foods or dyes | This is essential to know in advance if you may have an allergy. |
| If your partner is pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | Although this is a medication that men give you, it's important to tell your doctor about your partner's condition. More information about that is below. |
How should I use this medicine?
- This medicine is a capsule that you take by mouth. Try to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Swallow it whole with water.
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Never stop taking it on your own.
What if I take too much?
If you think you have taken an overdose , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Interactions with other medications
Enzalutamide can interact with some other medications you are taking, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) .
Do not take Enzalutamide with this medicine.
If you are taking any of the following medications, you should not take Enzalutamide. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Artemether
- Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis (e.g. Atazanavir, Ritonavir, Rilpivirine)
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. Voriconazole)
- Lonafarnib, Lorlatinib, Lurasidone, Praziquantel, Ranolazine
This medicine may also cause side effects.
The following drugs may also interact with Enzalutamide.
- Some medications for seizures (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
- Clopidogrel, Warfarin (blood thinners)
- Cyclosporine, Sirolimus, Tacrolimus
- Omeprazole
- Rifampin
- St. John's Wort (herbal preparation)
Important: This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, if you smoke, or if you drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
Go to the clinic regularly on the days your doctor prescribes to monitor the progress of your treatment. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor immediately.
Very important: This medicine is not prescribed for women. Men taking this medicine should avoid fathering children while taking the medicine and for 3 months after stopping the medicine. There is a possibility of serious harm to an unborn baby. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Enzalutamide can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue) | Seizures |
| Symptoms of a stroke (difficulty speaking, severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty walking, dizziness) | Pain or stiffness in the chest, neck, back, or arms |
| Confusion or memory loss | Vision changes |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Feeling unusually tired or fatigued | Headache, dizziness |
| Joint pain | Appetite |
| Hot flashes | Diarrhea |
| Pain, numbness in the limbs | Slight blood in the urine |
| Sudden weight gain; swelling of ankles, feet, hands; difficulty breathing (edema) | |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit).
- Protect from moisture. Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- Ask your doctor or hospital about their procedures for disposing of expired or no longer needed medicines. If this is not possible, remove the capsules from the bottle, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place them in a tightly sealed bag or container and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Enzalutamide (XTANDI) is a hormonal treatment for prostate cancer.
- Take this medicine at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor has told you. Do not break or chew the capsule.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, as this medicine may interact with other medications.
- Avoid having children while taking the medication and for 3 months after stopping. This is something that must be strictly followed.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as seizures , paralysis, or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- Feel free to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
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