What is Xtandi?
Xtandi can be described as an anti-androgen. It acts within the body to block the effects that are caused by androgens (male hormones).Xtandi is a treatment for prostate cancer.Xtandi is often used when the cancer has stopped responding to treatment but isn't spreading to other areas of the body.Xtandi can also be used if cancer has reacted to treatment but has expanded to other areas within your body (metastatic).
Warnings
While not recommended for pregnant women, the Xtandi drug can result in birth problems if the father or mother is taking the medicine. Use a condom or another form of birth control to stop pregnancy during your treatment and for a minimum of 3 months after the treatment has ended.Xtandi could cause side effects on the spinal cord. Stop taking this medication and consult your physician immediately if you experience intense back pain, problems getting up or walking, weakness or pain in your lower back, severe and progressively more severe tingling or numbness, or an abrupt loss of control over your bladder or bowel.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't use Xtandi if you are allergic to the chemical enzalutamide.To ensure that Xtandi is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you've ever experienced:
- A seizure;
- A head injury, stroke or brain tumor
- Circulatory problems, heart disease;
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood).
While not recommended for pregnant women, Xtandi may cause birth defects if the father or mother is taking this medication. Don't take this medication when you are expecting.If you're taking Xtandi and you think your sexual partner may become pregnant, you should use a condom or another type of birth control method to avoid pregnancy during treatment. Use these methods of birth control for at least 3 months following the end of your treatment. Contact your doctor right away when you become pregnant while one parent is being treated with the drug enzalutamide.While this medication is not suitable for women, it's not clear if enzalutamide is absorbed into breast milk or if it can harm nursing babies. Do not breastfeed when taking this medication.
How to take Xtandi
You should take Xtandi exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger doses or for longer than prescribed.You can take Xtandi without or with food. It is suggested to use the medicine daily during the day.It is possible to take two tablets with 80 mg, four tablets with a 40mg dose, or capsules each day to receive the entire dose.Take the tablet or capsule in its entirety. Don't break, crush, or chew the tablet. Avoid chewing, opening or dissolving a capsule.Prostate cancer is often treated with a mixture of drugs. Follow all medications as prescribed by your physician. Don't alter your dosages or your medication schedule without your doctor's approval.Keep the bottle at room temperature, far from heat and moisture. Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed when not being used.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:
160 mg (four 40 mg capsules) taken orally, once per day
Use for metastatic prostate cancer that is resistant to castration.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Do not take the dose you missed in case you recall this later in the day. Don't take any missed doses if you are close to the time for the next dose. Do not take additional medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek immediate attention. You can also contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdoses can result in seizures.
What should be avoided?
Enzalutamide could increase the chances of having seizures. Avoid activities that could be risky if you suffer seizures or become unconscious.Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the way Xtandi can impact you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents, falls, or even serious injuries.Even if you don't experience dizziness, taking Xtandi can increase the chance of falling or suffering fractures of the bone. Avoid situations or activities that could cause accidents or falls.
Side effects of Xtandi
Take a break from Xtandi and seek emergency medical help if you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.Xtandi can cause adverse effects on your spinal cord. Do not take this medication and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- A seizure (blackout or convulsions);
- Trouble with thinking, confusion, and a serious headache issues with vision and confusion;
- Insufficiency and loss of consciousness.
- Urine that is pink or red;
- Heart-related problems chest discomfort, breath shortness (even when exerting only a little);
- Higher blood pressure headache that is severe, unfocused vision, the sound of pounding inside your ears or neck, or nosebleeds;
- Indications of a lung disease such as fever, cough with green or yellow mucus, chest pains that are stabbing, wheezing, and feeling exhausted.
The treatment you receive for cancer could be delayed or discontinued permanently when you experience certain negative side effects.
Common Xtandi side effects may include:
- Fatigue or feeling weak;
- Constipation, diarrhoea;
- Loss of appetite
- Flushing (redness and hot sensation);
- Back pain, joint pain,
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Enzalutamide could increase your chance of experiencing seizures. This can be more likely when you utilise other medications that can increase your risk of seizures. Inform your physician if you are taking antibiotics or an antidepressant, medications for asthma (a bronchodilator), birth control pills, hormone replacement pills, the insulin pill, any oral diabetic medication, steroids, or any other medication to treat mental illnesses.A variety of drugs may be incompatible with the drug enzalutamide. This includes over-the-counter and prescription supplements, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all medications are mentioned in this medication guide. Inform your doctor of any medications you take as well as any medications you begin or stop using in the course of treatment with Xtandi. Provide a list of all the medicines you take to any health professional who is treating you.
