(DAR-oh-LOO-ta-mide)
Trade Name(s): Nubeqa®
Darolutamide is the generic name for the trade name drug Nubeqa®. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Nubeqa® when referring to the generic drug name Darolutamide.
Drug Type: Darolutamide is the anti-androgen medication. This medication is classified as an "androgen receptor inhibitor" (for more detail, see "How Darolutamide Works" below).
What Darolutamide Is Used For
- Darolutamide is used to treat non-metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer. This type of cancer is one that has not spread beyond the prostate and is resistant to medical or surgical treatments that lower testosterone.
Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful.
How Darolutamide Is Given
- Darolutamide is a tablet that is taken by mouth twice daily with food.
- You should take Darolutamide at the same times each day.
- Swallow tablets whole.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember prior to the next scheduled dose. Do not take 2 doses at once to make up a missed dose. If you are not sure what to do, contact your health care provider.
- You should not stop taking Darolutamide without speaking with your doctor first.
- Darolutamide is commonly given after a surgical procedure where both testicles are removed or is given in combination with another class of medications known as gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs.
Side Effects
Important things to remember about the side effects of Darolutamide:
- Most people will not experience all of the side effects listed.
- Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset, duration, and severity.
- Side effects will improve after therapy is complete.
- Many of the side effects may be manageable. There are many options to minimize or prevent the side effects of Darolutamide.
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 10%) for patients taking Darolutamide:
These are less common side effects (occurring in 5-10%) for patients receiving Darolutamide:
Not all side effects are listed above. Side effects that are very rare are not listed here. But you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
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:
- Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
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:
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication)
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24-hour period)
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning with urination
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Precautions
- Before starting Darolutamide treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.).
- Inform your health care professional if you and your partner are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment.
- Use contraceptives, and do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Darolutamide. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended during treatment and for up to 1 week after last dose of Darolutamide.
- Androgen receptor inhibitors, like Darolutamide, are usually only given to men. However, if Darolutamide is given to a woman, she should not conceive a child or breastfeed while taking this medication.
- Darolutamide has not been studied in women. Based on the way Darolutamide works, it is believed that this medication can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when given to a pregnant female.
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.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
- Follow regimen of anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your health care professional.
- Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea (see managing side effects - diarrhea).
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Remain active as you are able. Gentle exercise is encouraged such as a daily walk.
- 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.
Monitoring and Testing While Taking Darolutamide
You will be checked regularly by your doctor while you are taking Darolutamide to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. Periodic blood work will be obtained to monitor your complete blood count (CBC) as well as the function of other organs (such as your kidneys and liver) will also be ordered by your doctor.
How Darolutamide Works
Androgen receptors are normally found in prostate cells and are responsible for finding the various hormones (androgens, specifically testosterone) and producing various effects on the body. Darolutamide is an androgen receptor inhibitor. Androgen receptor inhibitors work by targeting the hormones from activating chemical pathways within the body that could lead to rapid division of cancer cells. Essentially, this "starves" the cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow and divide. Androgen receptor inhibitors are often used in combination with gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs to prevent cancer cells from growing and dividing rapidly.
Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professionals about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.