Apalutamide
About Apalutamide
Apalutamide is a prescription medication used to treat patients with prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body but no longer responds to hormone-lowering treatments, or prostate cancer that has spread and still responds to these treatments. This medicine helps slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
You should take this medicine once daily, at the same time each day, to keep a steady level of the drug in your body. You can take the tablets with or without food, swallowing them whole with a glass of water. Combining this treatment with regular physical activity and a balanced diet can help support your muscle strength and overall energy levels.
While taking Apalutamide, you may experience common side effects like extreme tiredness, joint pain, or hot flashes. If you develop severe side effects, such as a skin rash, chest pain, or sudden dizziness, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Before starting this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, brain injury, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Do not take this if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are a woman of childbearing potential, as this medicine can cause severe harm to an unborn baby.
This medication can interact with other prescription medicines, including certain blood thinners and seizure drugs, by changing how your body processes them. It is also important to talk to your doctor about your alcohol intake, as combining alcohol with this medicine can increase the risk of dizziness or falls. Men with female partners of childbearing potential must use highly effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
Uses of Apalutamide
Medicinal Benefits
Apalutamide helps treat advanced prostate cancer by blocking the effects of male hormones that promote cancer growth. With regular use as prescribed, it helps slow disease progression, prolong survival, and support better quality of life.
- Slows the Progression of Prostate Cancer: By blocking the action of male hormones that fuel cancer growth, this medicine helps delay the spread and progression of advanced prostate cancer.
- Supports Longer Survival: Effective disease control helps improve overall survival and provides a valuable treatment option for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
- Helps Maintain Daily Functioning: By slowing cancer progression, this medicine helps preserve physical function, reduce disease-related symptoms, and support a better quality of life, allowing you to continue your daily activities more comfortably.
Directions for Use
- Take Apalutamide with or without food or as advised by a doctor.
- Recommended to take once daily or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Apalutamide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Extreme tiredness or lack of energy
- Hot flashes or sudden warmth
- Joint, muscle, or bone pain
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Mild skin rash
- High blood pressure
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Seizures or sudden loss of consciousness
- Severe dizziness or feeling like you might pass out
- Falls or fractures (broken bones)
- Severe skin rash with peeling, blistering, or fever
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness on one side of your body
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Watch for seizure warning signs: Since this medicine carries a risk of seizures, avoid activities where a sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to yourself or others.
- Use effective contraception: If you are sexually active with a female partner who can become pregnant, use a highly effective condom along with another form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after your final dose.
- Monitor your skin closely: If you develop any skin rash, itching, or redness, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as rashes can occasionally become severe.
- Do not share this medicine: Apalutamide is prescribed specifically for you; sharing it with others can lead to severe health complications.
- Keep all medical appointments: Your doctor will need to monitor your blood pressure, heart health, and bone density regularly while you are taking this medication.
Drug Interactions
- Blood Thinners: Taking Apalutamide together with blood thinners, such as warfarin, may increase the risk of bleeding. Your doctor may recommend closer monitoring or adjust your treatment if these medicines are used together.
- Seizure Medicines: Apalutamide may interact with certain medicines used to treat seizures, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Your doctor may monitor your treatment and adjust the dose if necessary.
- Medicines Processed by the Liver: Apalutamide may affect how your liver processes certain medicines, which can alter their blood levels and either reduce their effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse reactions. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines you are taking before starting treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Apalutamide with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy
not applicableNot intended for women.
Breast Feeding
not applicableNot intended for women.
Driving
cautionApalutamide may cause seizures. Do not drive vehicles or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Liver
consult your doctorInsufficient data available on the use of Apalutamide in patients with liver impairment. If you have liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Apalutamide.
Kidney
consult your doctorThe effect of Apalutamide in patients with kidney impairment is unknown. If you have kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Apalutamide.
Children
unsafeApalutamide is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Focus on bone health: Because this treatment can weaken your bones, include calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods in your diet. Talk to your doctor about taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise: Activities like walking, climbing stairs, or light weight training can help strengthen your bones, maintain muscle mass, and combat the extreme tiredness associated with treatment.
- Monitor your heart health: Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and sodium to manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as this medication can increase cardiovascular risks.
- Take precautions to prevent falls: Ensure your home is free of tripping hazards, use nightlights, and take your time when standing up to avoid falls, especially since this medication can increase the risk of bone fractures.
Special Advise
- Apalutamide is not recommended for use in female patients and paediatrics.
- Regular monitoring of liver and kidney functioning is recommended, with liver/kidney function tests recommended during Apalutamide usage.
- Monitor the patients for any signs of cardiovascular conditions while on treatment with Apalutamide.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Prostate cancer: The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland present under the bladder which is responsible for the production of seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is a carcinogenic condition that occurs when the cells of the prostate gland increase out of control. The main cause of this condition is unknown. However, a few underlying reasons that increase the risk for this condition include age, family history, ethnic group, genetic factors, obesity, etc.
FAQs
Apalutamide is used to treat Prostate cancer.
Apalutamide contains Apalutamide, which works by inhibiting the production of the testosterone hormone and thus stops the growth and spread of cancer.
No, do not stop taking Apalutamide without consulting your doctor. It is recommended to take this medicine for the entire prescribed duration, even when symptoms resolve.
Take Apalutamide as advised by your doctor. However, if you forget or miss any dose of Apalutamide, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. But do not double the dose.
Yes, you can take Apalutamide with or without food. It is best to swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water at the same time each day. If you have any questions about how to take your medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
You should contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice a skin rash. Rashes are a common side effect, but they can occasionally become severe and require medical management. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Some patients may experience thinning of the hair or hair loss while taking this medication, as it affects male hormones in the body. If this concerns you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
You should use caution when driving or operating machinery because this medication can cause extreme tiredness, dizziness, and increase the risk of seizures. If you feel dizzy or unusually tired, avoid driving and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
No, Apalutamide is not prescribed for women. It can cause severe harm to an unborn baby if a pregnant woman is exposed to it. If you have questions about who can take this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine can cause side effects like dizziness, extreme tiredness, and weakened bones, which together can make you more prone to losing your balance and falling. To learn how to prevent falls, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking too much of this medicine can increase your risk of severe side effects, including seizures. If you take more than your prescribed dose, seek emergency medical care immediately. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of your dosage.
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