Enzalutamide Tablets
What is this medication?
ENZALUTAMIDE (EN za LOO ta mide) treats prostate cancer. It works by blocking the effect of testosterone and other hormones in your body, which may slow or stop cancer cells from spreading or growing.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): XTANDI
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Bone problems
- Brain tumor
- Head injury
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Seizures
- Stroke
- An unusual or allergic reaction to enzalutamide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- If you or your partner is pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Artemether
- Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis, such as atazanavir, daclatasvir, doravirine, elbasvir, fostemsavir, grazoprevir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, paritaprevir, rilpivirine, ritonavir, tipranavir
- Certain medications for fungal infections, such as isavuconazonium, voriconazole
- Lonafarnib
- Lorlatinib
- Lurasidone
- Praziquantel
- Ranolazine
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Alfentanil
- Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- Clopidogrel
- Cyclosporine
- Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine
- Fentanyl
- Gemfibrozil
- Midazolam
- Omeprazole
- Pimozide
- Quinidine
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Sirolimus
- St. John's wort
- Tacrolimus
- Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner are pregnant or think either of you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Seizures
- Sudden and severe headache, confusion, change in vision, seizures, which may be signs of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hot flashes
- Increase in blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
- Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
- If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Enzalutamide
Self-Care Tips:
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- If you are experiencing hot flashes, wearing light clothing, staying in a cool environment, and putting cool cloths on your head may reduce symptoms. Consult you health care provider if these worsen, or become intolerable.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Maintain your normal physical activity as you are able.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
- Swelling of the legs, feet, arms, or hands
- If you have difficulty thinking, confusion
- If you have falls, dizziness
- Signs of infection such as redness or swelling, pain on swallowing, coughing up mucous, or painful urination.
- Pink-tinged or blood in urine
- Feeling very tired or weak (unable to carry on self-care activities)
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
