Enzalutamide is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat men with prostate cancer.
It is used for those who have failed previous therapy or with a tumour that has spread to other parts of the body.
Take Enzalutamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Enzalutamide is available as a tablet or a capsule.
Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Tablets should not be cut, crushed, or chewed. Capsules should not be opened, chewed, or dissolved.
The dose of Enzalutamide will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Enzalutamide even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Enzalutamide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
This medicine is not for use in women. Do not take Enzalutamide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Adequate contraceptive methods must be used during therapy and for 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of or high risk for seizures (e.g. brain injury, head trauma, stroke)
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- heart disease (e.g. recent heart attack, chest pain, slow heart rate or heart rhythm disorder)
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Do not let the tablet or capsule's content be in contact with your eyes or skin.
Make sure that you wear gloves when handling the tablets or the capsules. Do not touch it with your bare hands. Do not reuse the gloves.
If you are going for certain laboratory tests (e.g. digoxin assay), inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure before and during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs of seizures may also be needed.
Enzalutamide may cause dizziness or impaired mental alertness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, tiredness, weakness, muscle and joint pain, back pain, muscle stiffness, dry skin, itching, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, reddening of the skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, tongue, lip and throat
- fall that can lead to head injury or broken bones
- seizures, headache, decreased alertness, confusion, blurred vision or other visual problems
- chest pain or pressure, abnormal heartbeat, swelling of the ankles, feet or hand, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. gemfibrozil, atorvastatin
- itraconazole (medicine for fungal infection)
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, clonazepam
- medicines for sleep disorder e.g. midazolam, zolpidem, diazepam
- strong painkillers e.g. fentanyl, tramadol, methadone, alfentanil
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. bisoprolol, diltiazem, verapamil, felodipine, nifedipine, nicardipine
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. indinavir, ritonavir
- medicines for heart disease e.g. quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. tacrolimus, sirolimus, ciclosporin
- omeprazole (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- haloperidol (medicine for mood disorders)
- clarithromycin (antibiotic)
- cabazitaxel (medicine for cancer)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Enzalutamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Protect from moisture. Keep bottle tightly closed after use.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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