Enzalutamide is a drug used in the treatment of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. This drug is used when prostate cancer is no longer treatable surgery and other treatments.
Enzalutamide is a hormone preparation that works by inhibiting the binding of androgens to their receptors and also by inhibiting the work of androgen hormones. This way of working will slow down the growth of prostate cancer and trigger cancer cell death. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription.
Enzalutamide trademark: Xtandi
What is Enzalutamide
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Androgen receptor blockers (androgen receptor inhibitors) |
| Benefit | Treating prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) |
| Consumed by | Adult man |
| Enzalutamide for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. It is not known whether enzalutamide is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Precautions Before Taking Enzalutamide
Follow the doctor's recommendations and advice during treatment with enzalutamide. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Enzalutamide should not be taken by someone who is allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, fractures, osteoporosis, or seizures.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have recently had a head injury, stroke, or brain tumor.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking enzalutamide if you are going to have any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Enzalutamide should not be used by women, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding, because this drug is harmful to the fetus and baby. Use effective birth control while you or your partner are taking enzalutamide.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking enzalutamide, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking enzalutamide.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Enzalutamide
The dose of enzalutamide can be different for each patient. The doctor will determine the dose according to the patient's condition. In general, the dose of enzalutamide in the treatment of prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) and prostate cancer that continues to develop after castration is 160 mg, once a day.
Depending on the patient's condition, dose reduction or discontinuation of treatment may be carried out.
How to Take Enzalutamide Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking enzalutamide. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Enzalutamide can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the capsule whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not open, bite, or dissolve the capsule before taking it.
Use enzalutamide regularly for optimal treatment effect. Do not stop using the drug without consulting your doctor first.
If you forget to take enzalutamide, take this drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
During treatment with enzalutamide, the doctor will monitor your condition and ask you to take regular blood pressure measurements, perform complete blood tests, liver function tests, on a regular basis.
Store enzalutamide in a closed container in a cool and dry place. Keep this medicine away from direct sunlight and keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Enzalutamide Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of drug interactions that may occur if enzalutamide is used with certain drugs:
- Decreased blood levels of enzalutamide when used with the drugs carbamazepine, phenytoin, or ritonavir
- Increased blood levels of enzalutamide when used with gemfibrozil or itraconazole
- Increased risk of developing dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, such as QT prolongation, if used with antiarrhythmic drugs, such as amiodarone or quinidine
- Decreased levels and concentrations of warfarin in the blood
In addition, if enzalutamide is taken together St. John's Wort, levels in the blood may decrease.
Enzalutamide Side Effects and Dangers
Enzalutamide can cause different side effects for each patient who takes it. However, in general, here are some side effects that can occur after using enzalutamide:
- Warmth in the face, neck, or chest (hot flashes)
- Dizziness or headache
- Decreased sex drive
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are getting worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Tingling, burning, or pain in the hands or feet
- Sudden back pain or broken bones
- Urine is red or pink
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart attack, which can be characterized by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating
- Infectious disease, which can be characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough, which does not improve
- Persistent severe headache, seizures, confusion, memory disturbances, and blurred vision
