Nilandron - Nilutamide Tablets
What is this medication?
NILUTAMIDE (nye 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): Nilandron
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to nilutamide, 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 with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. 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?
- Alcohol
- Phenytoin
- Theophylline
- 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.
This medication may affect your vision. Your eyes may have trouble adjusting from light to dark. Be careful driving at night or through tunnels. Wearing tinted glasses may help.
Drinking alcohol with this medication may increase the risk of side effects, such as flushing, low blood pressure, and tiredness. Avoid alcoholic drinks if you have such effects.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.
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
- Change in vision
- Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in sex drive or performance
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Hot flashes
- Increase in blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
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 at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. 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 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 Nilandron
Self-Care Tips
- Do not stop taking this medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Take the medication exactly as directed.
- If you are experiencing hot flashes, wear light clothing, staying in a cool environment, and putting cool cloths on your head may reduce symptoms. Consult your health care provider if these worsen, or become intolerable.
- This medication may make it harder for your eyes to adapt to the dark. Be careful of driving an automobile at nighttime. This may resolve when you discontinue the medication. Wearing tinted glasses, or sunglasses may help.
- Keep your bowels moving. Your health care provider may prescribe a stool softener to help prevent constipation that may be caused by this medication.
- Drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you were told to restrict your fluid intake, and maintain good nutrition. This will decrease your chances of being constipated, and prevent dehydration.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sun block and protective clothing.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals. This medication may cause a severe reaction if you drink alcoholic beverages. Therefore, drinking alcohol should be avoided. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, especially if severe, 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:
- Shortness of breath, chest or jaw pain or discomfort
- Urinary retention, inability to urinate
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not emergency situations. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Constipation unrelieved by the use of laxatives
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medications)
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24-hour period)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, feeling faint
- Persistent headache
- Any changes in eyesight
- Cough and/or shortness of breath
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
