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Apalutamide

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Antiandrogen Erleada Adult

Apalutamide - What is it for

​Apalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer which has not spread to other parts of the body and does not respond to treatment that reduces the production of androgens (male sex hormones which increase the growth of prostate cancer cells).
Apalutamide works by blocking the effect of androgens.

Apalutamide - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Apalutamide cause?

  • ​Feeling tired or weak
    • Be careful of falls and take measures to prevent them e.g. wear non-slip shoes, keep the house free of clutter, keep away from darkly-lit places
  • Increased blood pressure
    • Monitor your blood pressure regularly and record it down. Inform your doctor if you notice an increasing trend.
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Rash
  • Hot flushes (feeling of warmth)
    • If this affects you, take Apalutamide at bedtime. However if night sweats affect your sleep, take Apalutamide in the morning instead.
    • Take cool showers and where possible, stay in a cool place
  • Joint pain
  • Swelling of hands or feet
    • Lift up your feet when sitting down
  • Nausea, decreased appetite
    • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day
  • Diarrhea
    • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two litres everyday)
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
  • Frequent falls
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:
    • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
    • Difficulty in breathing
    • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Before taking Apalutamide , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication
  • Your partner becomes pregnant
    • You should use effective birth control during and for at least three months after stopping treatment
  • You have any other medical conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure or a history of seizures or epilepsy
  • You are taking or intend to take any other medications (e.g. warfarin), supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Apalutamide ?

Apalutamide - Dosage and How to Use

How should Apalutamide be used?

  • ​Take Apalutamide once a day
  • You can take it with or without food
  • Do not break or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
    • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Return to your normal schedule the next day. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Apalutamide - Handling

How should I handle Apalutamide safely?

Apalutamide - Storage

How should I store Apalutamide ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#

How should I dispose of Apalutamide safely?

Pack Apalutamide into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Apalutamide - Additional Information

  • Tags: Antiandrogen, Apalutamide
  • Updated on 8/31/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

​If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

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