Enzalutamide capsules
What is enzalutamide?
Enzalutamide is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).
Enzalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer. Enzalutamide is used together with other medicines, or with surgery.
Enzalutamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
Although not for use by women, enzalutamide can cause birth defects if the mother or the father is taking enzalutamide. Use a condom and one other form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine, and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use enzalutamide if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a seizure;
- a head injury, stroke, or brain tumor;
- heart disease;
- high blood pressure; or
- high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Enzalutamide can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects, even if the father is taking this medicine.
If you are taking enzalutamide and your sex partner could become pregnant, use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor at once if a pregnancy occurs while you are taking enzalutamide.
Enzalutamide capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.
Although this medicine is not for use by women, enzalutamide should not be taken by a woman who is breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take enzalutamide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not chew, open, or dissolve it.
Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Do not allow another person to handle your medicine.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you forget your dose for the entire day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule the next day. Do not take two doses in one day.
What should I avoid while taking enzalutamide?
This medication can make you dizzy, and may cause you to have a seizure or suddenly become unconscious. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Severe dizziness can cause falls or other accidents.
Even without dizziness, taking enzalutamide could increase your risk of falls or bone fractures. Avoid activities or situations that may lead to injury or falls.
enzalutamide can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
Enzalutamide side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using enzalutamide and call your doctor at once if you have:
- a seizure (black-out or convulsions);
- confusion, thinking problems, severe headache, buzzing in your ears, vision problems;
- weakness, loss of consciousness;
- red or pink urine;
- heart problems--chest pain, shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
- increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed; or
- signs of a lung infection--fever, cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness, spinning sensation;
- feeling weak or tired;
- loss of appetite, weight loss;
- flushing (redness, hot feeling);
- joint pain; or
- high blood pressure.
