Apalutamide
Generic name: apalutamide [ AP-a-LOOT-a-mide ]
Brand name: Erleada
Dosage form: oral tablet (60 mg)
Drug classes:Antiandrogens, Hormones / antineoplastics
What is apalutamide?
Apalutamide is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).
Apalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and is also being treated with another medicine or with surgery.
Apalutamide is also used to treat prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body, after surgery or other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.
Apalutamide is used together with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or with surgical castration (removal of the testicles).
Warnings
Although apalutamide is not for use by women, this medicine can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Apalutamide is not for use by women or children.
Apalutamide can harm an unborn baby or cause miscarriage. Apalutamide can also harm an unborn baby if the father is taking this medicine at the time of conception or during pregnancy.
Use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to become pregnant. Use condoms if your sex partner is pregnant. Keep using effective birth control and condoms for at least 3 months after your last dose of this medicine.
Apalutamide may affect fertility (your ability to have children). However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because apalutamide may harm the baby if a pregnancy does occur.
Also do not donate sperm while you are taking this medicine, and during the 3 months after your last dose.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a head injury or brain tumor;
a seizure;
a stroke;
heart disease, high blood pressure;
diabetes; or
abnormal levels of cholesterol or fats in your blood.
Hormonal cancer treatment can weaken your muscles and bones. You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using apalutamide. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.
How should I take apalutamide?
Take apalutamide exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doc...
