APALUTAMIDE

Apalutamide is an anticancer medication belonging to the androgen receptor inhibitors class. The FDA approved this medicine for medical use on 17 September 2019.

It is indicated for treating patients with certain types of prostate cancer whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body and still responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone (male reproductive hormone) or whose cancer has not spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone.

Apalutamide is an orally administered drug. Take medicine as informed by your physician. It is generally taken with or without food once a day. Take the tablet at around the same time every day. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not stop taking Apalutamide without talking to your doctor.

The common side effects are increased cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, swelling in the lower legs or hands, rash and reddening of the skin, decreased body weight and loss of appetite, diarrhea and nausea, muscle pain, tiredness, and dizziness. Other serious side effects are anemia, heart disease, stroke or mini-stroke, increased blood sugar levels, decreased white blood cells, fractures of bones, seizures and cerebrovascular events, severe skin reactions, and frequent falls.

Ischemic cardiovascular events have occurred in patients receiving this medicine. Monitoring for any heart problems during the treatment is necessary. Report to your physician if you have shortness of breath or pain in the chest that radiates to the jaw and shoulders because this may be a sign of heart problems. This medicine may increase your risk of fractures and frequent falls. Apalutamide is indicated for use in only men; if administered to female patients, it may cause severe embryo-fetal toxicity.

Inform your physician if you have any symptoms of chest pain, indigestion, heart attack, trouble walking, and numbness in the face and body. Apalutamide is not recommended in pregnant women because this may cause harm to your unborn baby. This tablet may be taken with or without food. This medicine may cause fertility problems in males. Males should not become fathers or donate sperm during the treatment and for 3 months after the last done. Use effective birth control methods. Inform your healthcare professional about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Apalutamide and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

Store Apalutamide in its original package at room temperature (20°C to 25°C). Keep tablets out of reach of children and pets. If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact your hospital or doctor immediately for medical advice. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor if you have heart, kidney, liver, or lung disorders. Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines unless you have had surgery to reduce testosterone levels. Continue taking this medicine along with all other medications your doctor has prescribed. Apalutamide may cause birth defects if a male partner uses this medicine while planning for pregnancy. Use effective contraceptive methods during treatment and for 3 months after the final dose. Your doctor will monitor your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular appointments. Attend all scheduled visits. Do not discontinue this medicine, even temporarily, without consulting your doctor first.

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