When your doctor diagnosed you or a close family member with prostate cancer, he or she may have prescribed a pill called Enzalutamide as a treatment. At a time like this, it's normal for you to have a lot of questions about this medication. You may be wondering things like, "What exactly does this medication do?", "What should I be aware of while using it?", "What side effects can it cause?" Don't worry. In this article today, we'll answer all your questions and talk about this medication simply and clearly.
What kind of medicine is Enzalutamide?
Simply put, Enzalutamide is a drug that blocks the action of a hormone called testosterone, which is produced in the male body. This hormone helps prostate cancer cells grow. So, this drug blocks the effect of that hormone and controls the growth of cancer cells. This drug is most commonly found under the brand name XTANDI.
This is a very important medication used to treat some types of prostate cancer. Also, your doctor may sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions. So if you have any questions, never be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting treatment with Enzalutamide, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions: |
|---|
| • If you have a brain tumor or head injury |
| • If you have heart disease or high blood pressure |
| • If you have high cholesterol levels in your blood. |
| • If you have had a stroke or seizures before |
| • If you have bone problems |
| • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Enzalutamide or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| • This medicine is for men and should not be used by women. |
How should I use the medicine exactly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
- Take it on time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Do not break, crush, or chew these tablets. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, if you feel an upset stomach, it is better to take the medicine with a meal.
- Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. It's important to complete the course of treatment, even if you think your symptoms have subsided.
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 the next dose at the scheduled time.
Never take two doses of medicine at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital, Colombo, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Treat this as an emergency.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Enzalutamide is a drug that can interact with other medications. Therefore, you should inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbal products, and even vitamins.
| Drugs that should never be taken with Enzalutamide | |
|---|---|
| Some antiviral drugs for HIV or Hepatitis | Drugs like Atazanavir, Daclatasvir, Doravirine, Ritonavir |
| Some medications for fungal infections | Isavuconazonium, Voriconazole |
| Other medications | Artemether, Lonafarnib, Lorlatinib, Lurasidone, Praziquantel, Ranolazine |
| Other drugs that may cause problems with Enzalutamide (medical advice required) | |
| Medications for seizures | Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Antibiotics and other medications | Rifampin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin, Omeprazole, Gemfibrozil |
| Herbal products | St. John's Wort |
| Other | Fentanyl, Midazolam, Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, Cyclosporine |
This list is not complete, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: Your doctor will need to see you regularly to monitor the progress of your treatment. So, don't miss your clinic dates. If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, tell your doctor about it.
- Very important: Men taking this medicine should avoid fathering a child. Avoid fathering a child while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping the medicine. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about this and other safe methods.
What side effects might I experience?
Like all medicines, Enzalutamide can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Stroke symptoms | Vision changes, difficulty speaking, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty walking. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, confusion, memory loss, pain or tightness in the chest, neck, or arms. |
| Symptoms that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| Body changes | Extreme fatigue, headache, hot flashes, loss of appetite. |
| Pain and discomfort | Joint pain, numbness in the limbs, diarrhea, and slight blood in the urine. |
| Swelling (Edema) | Sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should I store the medicine? How should I dispose of it?
- Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius) away from moisture and keep the bottle tightly closed.
- Disposal: Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. Never flush medications down the toilet for any reason.
Take-Home Message
- Enzalutamide is a very important drug in the treatment of prostate cancer. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you have.
- Avoid having children while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping. This is very important.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as allergic symptoms, stroke symptoms, or a fit.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, discuss them with your doctor.
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