ENZALUTAMIDE
Background and Date of Approval
Enzalutamide is an anticancer medicine that belongs to the category of androgen receptor antagonists. It received U.S. FDA approval on 31 August 2012 for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Uses
Enzalutamide is prescribed to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).
How is it administered?
Enzalutamide is to be administered orally. This medication is to be swallowed as whole with water, without cutting, crushing or chewing. It can be taken with or without food.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with enzalutamide are tiredness, back pain, constipation, headache, anxiety, dry skin, inability to concentrate. Some serious side effects also include seizures, falls and fractures and hypersensitivity reactions. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
It is not recommended to take Enzalutamide Tablet if you are allergic to enzalutamide or any of its ingredients. During the enzalutamide treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor for Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that can be elevated in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels can help monitor the progression of the disease and the response to treatment. Other tests also include liver function tests and complete blood count(CBC) to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with stomach ulcers, cataract, lung disease, problems in your heart, liver, skin, kidneys.
Precautions
Enzalutamide Tablet may impair fertility in male patients. This drug is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 3 months after the last dose of Enzalutamide. This medicine can cause seizures, so patients with a history of seizures should use caution when taking this medication. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Enzalutamide, as it can increase the levels of the medication in the body.
Word of Advice
Enzalutamide should be handled by the patient or the patient's caregiver only. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle damaged or broken medication without wearing gloves. If you forget to take this medication at your scheduled time, take your usual dose as soon as you remember. If you miss the entire day's dose, take your usual dose the next day. Do not take a double dose. Do not stop taking this medication without informing your doctor.
References
Astellas Pharma Ltd, [Revised on Oct 2020] [Accessed on 8th Apr 2021], https://www.astellas.us/docs/12a005-enz-wpi.pdf Astellas Pharma Europe B.V, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2021] [Accessed on 12th Nov 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10318.pdf MartÃn LázaroQuintela et al., Enzalutamide: a new prostate cancer targeted therapy against the androgen receptor, Cancer Treatment Reviews. Mar 2015; 41(3): 247-253 [Accessed on 8th Apr 2021], https://ruc.udc.es/dspace/bitstream/handle/2183/21551/Lzro_Enzlutamide.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y Marina D. Kaymakcalan and Christy S. Harris, Prostate Cancer, Applied Therapeutics, The Clinical Use Of Drugs, 11th Edition, 2018, 2083-2100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tests are essential before starting treatment with Enzalutamide?
Before starting treatment with Enzalutamide, your healthcare provider will recommend tests for Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that can be elevated in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels can help monitor the progression of the disease and the response to treatment. Other tests also include liver function tests and complete blood count(CBC).
What should you do if you missed a dose of Enzalutamide?
If you missed taking a dose of Enzalutamide Tablet, skip this dose. Do not take two tablets to make up for the missed dose. Report to your healthcare provider right away if you missed taking more than two doses of Enzalutamide.
Who should not take Enzalutamide?
Enzalutamide is not recommended for people who are allergic to enzalutamide, and their ingredients. Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking it, because enzalutamide can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk.
Can you smoke while on treatment with Enzalutamide?
It is not recommended to smoke cigarettes while on treatment with Enzalutamide as smoking can reduce the concentration of Enzalutamide in the body.
How do you know if you have overdosed on Enzalutamide?
Watch out for symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, severe headache and seek immediate medical attention from a nearby healthcare facility.