This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
Enzalutamide is an anticancer drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as antimetabolite. It was approved by the U.S. FDA on 31st of August 2012 to treat Prostate cancer.
Mechanism of Action of undefined
It works by inhibiting the active form of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone. It selectively blocks the androgen receptors and disrupts the translocation of signals from the receptor to the cell. Thus, the androgen hormone does not bind to the androgen receptors and these androgen receptors do not interact with DNA. This blocks the functioning of cancer cells and reduces its multiplication.
Uses of undefined
Enzalutamide is prescribed to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).
undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available
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.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined
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.
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.
Word Of Advice
Enzalutamide should be handled by the patient or the patient’s caregiver only. Women who are pregnant or might get pregnant should not handle damaged or broken medication without wearing gloves. If you forget to take this medication on your normal time, then take your usual dose whenever you remember, or if you forget to take this medication for the entire day, then take your usual dose the next day. However, do not double dose yourself. Do not discontinue the usage of this medication without informing your doctor.
Frequently Asked Question
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
- Martín 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.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
