What is Erleada?
Erleada treats metastatic prostate cancer, which has reached other areas of the body and is still responding to medical or surgical treatments that reduce testosterone.Erleada can also be used for prostate cancer that is not spreading to other areas of the body after other treatment options have failed or stopped working.Erleada is a member of a group of drugs called androgen-receptor inhibitors. Erleada works by blocking androgens, i.e., male hormones. It stops the spread and growth of cancerous cells.The use of this medicine in children or women is not recommended.
Side effects of Erleada
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face, throat, or nose, or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning eyes or skin, blistering or peeling skin, or red or purple rash), then seek emergency medical attention.If you experience a severe drug reaction, seek medical attention. Symptoms can include a skin rash or swollen lymph glands. Other symptoms may be muscle pain, weakness, unusual bruises, or yellowing.
Apalutamide may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Feeling short of breath and having chest pain
- A seizure;
- A fall;
- Signs of a stroke include sudden numbness, weakness, or a severe headache. Other symptoms are slurred or mumbled speech and problems with balance or vision.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed.Erleada may increase the risk of falls in elderly adults. Avoid falls and accidental injuries by exercising caution.
Common Erleada Side Effects
- Hot flashes
- Loss of appetite;
- Weight loss;
- Tiredness;
- Falls;
- Rash;
- Joint pain
increased blood pressure - Bone fractures.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report any adverse reactions by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Erleada, although not intended for women to use, can still cause birth defects in pregnant women if they are exposed.Please follow all instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your health care providers of all medical conditions, allergies, and medicines that you are using.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure Erleada will be safe for you:
- A head injury or brain tumor;
- A seizure;
- A stroke
- Hypertension .
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
Apalutamide may harm an unborn child if its father uses Erleada.
- Birth control is recommended if you are concerned that your partner could become pregnant. Men who are taking Erleada must use condoms while on treatment. Continue to use birth control at least three months after the last dose.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.
You may have a harder time getting a woman to fall pregnant if you use this medication. Don't donate sperm during your Erleada treatment or for 3 months following the last dose.Apalutamide may weaken bones. Erleada may increase your chances of breaking a bone. Speak to your doctor about ways you can maintain bone health.
How to take Erleada?
Follow your doctor's instructions and take Erleada only as directed. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your medication. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.Take Erleada the same way every time, whether you take it with food or not.Erleada can be taken up to once a day. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.If you've had your testicles removed, you may receive another medicine while on Erleada. Continue to use this medication for the prescribed time.Do not chew or crush the tablet.If you are unable to swallow the tablets, carefully read and follow all the instructions that come with Erleada. The medicine can also be administered through a tube.If you don't understand what's written on your prescription label, consult a pharmacist or physician.
Your cancer treatment may be delayed due to the need for frequent tests.If you suddenly stop taking this medication, your condition could worsen. Before stopping your medicine, consult with your doctor.Store medicine at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Store the medication in its original container along with the moisture-absorbing preservation packet or canister.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for prostate cancer:
Orally, take 240 mg once daily.
Comments:
Patients ideally should receive either an analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) simultaneously with bilateral orchiectomy surgery, or have both procedures undertaken simultaneously.
Uses:
For the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer with castration sensitivity (mCSPC),
For the treatment of castration-resistant non-metastatic prostate cancer
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not forget to take the dose you missed. Continue to take your daily dose and your regular next dosage. Take no more than one dose in a single day.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
Apalutamide can cause seizures. If you experience an unexpected seizure, avoid activities that may be hazardous.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Certain drugs may affect the blood level of the drugs that you are taking, increasing side effects and making them less effective.There are other drugs that may interfere with apalutamide. These include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
