What is Apalutamide?
Apalutamide
is an anti-androgen. It functions in the body by inhibiting the action of androgens (male hormones).
Apalutamide can be used to treat prostate cancer that is spreading to different regions of your organs (metastatic), as well as being treated with a different medication or surgical procedure.
Apalutamide can also be used to fight prostate cancer, which hasn't spread to other parts of the body after treatment with surgery or other methods for treating cancer failed or ended their effectiveness.
Apalutamide is used together with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or with surgical castration (removal of the testicles).
Warnings
While apalutamide isn't recommended for use by women or pregnant women, it could cause birth defects in women who are subjected to the drug during their pregnancy.
Follow the directions on the medicine label and in the package. Inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and all medications you use.
Before You Take This Drug
Apalutamide is not suitable for use by children or women.
Apalutamide could harm a baby who is not born as well as cause miscarriage. Apalutamide may also harm a baby born when the father is taking this drug during the time of conception as well as during pregnancy.
Utilize effective birth control when your partner is likely to be pregnant. Utilize condoms if your sex lover is pregnant. Use effective condoms and birth control for at least 3 months following the previous doses of the medication.
Apalutamide can influence fertility (your capacity to have children). It is nevertheless important to take birth control measures to prevent pregnancy, as apalutamide can harm your baby should one occur.
Don't also offer sperm to anyone while you're taking this medication, as well as during the three months following your last dose.
To ensure this medicine is appropriate for you, consult your doctor if:
-
A head injury or brain tumor;
-
A seizure;
-
Stroke;
-
Heart disease and hypertension;
-
Diabetes
-
High concentrations of cholesterol and cholesterol levels that are abnormal or
Treatment for hormonal cancer can cause weakness in bones and muscles. You are more likely to break a bone if you take apalutamide.
Consult your physician on methods to keep the bone healthy.
How To Take Apalutamide?
Administer apalutamide exactly as was prescribed to you. Follow the directions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides and instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage.
Consume apalutamide, whether or not you eat, at the same times throughout the day.
The standard dose of this medication is four tablets that are taken simultaneously every day. Follow the dosing guidelines of your physician extremely carefully.
Take the tablets in one swallow and don't crush, chew, or break them.
If you are unable to take the tablets whole, then mix them in a cup along with 4 to 8 ounces of applesauce. After 15 minutes, mix the ingredients and wait for another 15 minutes. Stir the mixture again until the tablet is fully dispersed within the applesauce. Drink the mixture right away. Do not store it for a later time.
Add 2 ounces of water to the cup and consume the entire contents. Add another 2 ounces of water to the cup, stir slowly, and drink immediately.
You'll require frequent medical examinations.
You shouldn't stop using apalutamide until your doctor tells you to.
Keep the tablets at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Place tablets in their original containers, along with the packaging or canister of preservative that absorbs moisture.
Details On Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:
120 mg orally, once a day
Comments:
Patients should receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue concurrently or have had a bilateral orchiectomy.
Uses:
For treating metastatic prostate cancer (mCSPC),
For the treatment of non-metastatic-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC),
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
Contact your doctor for advice in the event that you don't make an appointment to receive the GnRH injection.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should Be Avoided?
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how apalutamide affects your body. Your reaction could be impaired.
Apalutamide can cause seizures. Avoid doing things that are hazardous if you suffer an unintentional seizure.
Side Effects Of Apalutamide
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to apalutamide (hives, breathing problems, or swelling in your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever, sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, purple or red skin rash, blistering, as well as peeling),
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
-
Chest pain or discomfort in the chest (even even) or shortness of breath;
-
A seizure;
-
A fall;
-
Indications of stroke, sudden numbness or weakening (especially for one leg) or a serious headache and slurred speech. balance issues.
Falls from accidents are frequent in older patients using apalutamide. Be careful to avoid injuries or falls during treatment with this medication.
Common apalutamide side effects include:
-
Hot Flashes;
-
Diarrhea or lack of appetite;
-
Weight loss;
-
Tiredness;
-
Falls;
-
Rash;
-
Joint pain;
-
Elevated blood pressure;
-
Bone fractures.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects.
If you have any concerns, report them to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction With Other Drugs
Other medications can interfere with apalutamide. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.
