Apalutamide

Name of the generic: apalutamide 
The brand name is Erleada
Forms for dosage: oral tablet (60 mg)
Drug class: Antiandrogens, Hormones/antineoplastics

What is apalutamide?

Apalutamide can be described as an anti-androgen. It acts within the body to block the effects of the androgens (male hormones).

Apalutamide is a treatment for prostate cancer which has spread to different areas within your organs (metastatic) in addition to being treated using different medication or surgical procedures.

Apalutamide can also be used to fight prostate cancer, which hasn’t been able to spread to other areas of the body after surgery or other treatments for cancer failed or ended their effectiveness.

This medication is used together with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or with surgical castration (removal of the testicles).¶

Warnings

While apalutamide isn’t recommended intended for use by women as it can cause birth defects if women are pregnant and exposed.

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and on the label of your package. Inform your healthcare professionals about your medical issues, allergies, and all medications you take.

Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician.

Apalutamide is not suitable for the use of children or women.

Apalutamide could cause harm to an unborn baby as well as cause miscarriage. Apalutamide may also harm a baby born in the case that the father takes the medication during the moment of conception, or during pregnancy.

Utilize effective birth control when your partner has the potential to be pregnant. Utilize condoms if your sexual partner is expecting. Use condoms and birth control pills for at least three months after the previous doses of the medication.

This medicine could influence fertility (your potential for having children). It is nevertheless important to take birth control measures to avoid pregnancy since apalutamide could harm the baby in the event that pregnancy does occur.

Don’t also offer sperm to anyone while you’re taking this medication, as well as during the three months following the last dose.

To ensure that this medication is suitable for you, inform your doctor if:

• A head injury or brain tumor
• a seizure;
• A stroke;
• heart disease high blood pressure, heart failure
• diabetes or
• high concentrations of cholesterol and cholesterol levels that are abnormal or.

The treatment for cancer with hormones can cause weakness in the bones and muscles. It is possible to suffer a fractured bone when you are taking apalutamide. Discuss with your doctor ways to ensure your bones are healthy.

How do I take apalutamide?

Administer apalutamide exactly as was prescribed to you. Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and make sure you read all the instructions or medication guides. Your doctor may modify your dosage.

Using this medication in combination with or without food at the same time every day.

The most common dose of this medication is 4 tablets that are taken simultaneously every day. Follow your doctor’s dosage instructions extremely carefully.

Suck the tablets up whole, and don’t chew, crush, or break them.

If you are unable to take the tablets in whole take them in a cup along with 4 cups of applesauce. After 15 minutes of stirring the mixture, wait for another 15 minutes. Stir till the tablet is fully dispersed within the applesauce. Drink the mixture as soon as you can. Do not store it to use later.

Add 2 ounces of water into the cup, and then drink the entire contents. Add another 2 ounces of water to the cup, stir slowly, and then sip it immediately.

You’ll need to take frequent medical examinations.

It is not recommended to stop taking apalutamide until your doctor instructs you to.

Keep the tablets at room temperature, far from heat, moisture, and light. Store the tablets in the original container and the packaging or container of preservative with moisture absorption.

Apalutamide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

120 mg orally, once a day

Comments:
-Patients should receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog concurrently or have had a bilateral orchiectomy.

Uses:
For to treat metastatic prostate cancer (mCSPC)
For the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)

Detailed Apalutamide dosage information

What if I miss a dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid your missed dosage if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don’t have two doses at one time.

Consult your physician for the appropriate treatment If you do not make an appointment to receive the GnRH injection.

What if I consume too much?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I be aware of when taking apalutamide?

Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects of apalutamide on your body. The way you react could be affected.

Apalutamide can cause seizures. Beware of activities that may be hazardous if you suffer an unintentional seizure.

Apalutamide side effects

See a doctor immediately If you are experiencing symptoms warnings of an allergy reaction with this medicine (hives or breathing problems or swelling in your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever and burning eyes, sore throat and skin irritation, as well as an ailment that is purple or red that blisters and peels).

Contact your doctor immediately If you are suffering from:

• chest discomfort or pain (even) and breathlessness;
• a seizure;
• a fall; or
• indications of signs of stroke sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body) and severe headache and speech slurries, balance issues.

Falls that result in injury are more frequent in older patients taking apalutamide. Be careful to avoid getting injured or falling when you are treated with this medication.

Common apalutamide side effects are:

• Hot flashes;
• Insomnia, vomiting, and loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• tiredness;
• falls;
• rash;
• joint pain;
• an increase in blood pressure or
• bone fractures.

This isn’t a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs can impact apalutamide?

Other drugs can be incompatible with apalutamide, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines such as vitamins, herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.