Apalutamide (Brand Name: Erleada)

What’s it used for?

  • It treats prostate cancer that is resistant to other therapies.
  • It is used in combination with hormone decreasing therapy.

How do I take it?

  • It is often taken in 1 daily dose.
  • Take it at the same time each day, either with or without food.
  • Swallow the medicine whole. Do not cut, crush or chew.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can on the same day. Return to your normal dose schedule the next day. Do not take extra to make up a missed dose.

What should I know before taking it?

  • Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist the names of all medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor, nurse, and pharmacist if you have any allergies.
  • Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
  • Talk to your doctor before taking medicine with aspirin in it.
  • Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines, like the flu shot.
  • Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

What are the side effects?

The common ones (more than 3 in 10 people have these)

  • Increases in cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Increases in blood sugar
  • Changes in blood counts
  • Weakness or tiredness (fatigue)
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Increases in your body’s potassium

Other side effects

  • Changes in thyroid function
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Redness, itching, or inflammation of the skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Increased risk of falls
  • Weight loss or decreased appetite
  • Joint pain
  • Flushing or hot flashes
  • Bone fracture
  • Swelling in legs and feet

How do I handle it safely?

  • Wash your hands after handling this drug
  • Pregnant women should not handle this drug.

How do I store it?

  • Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Store in the original package. Do not throw away the drying packet (desiccant). This will protect your medicine from moisture. 
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets. 

What’s this drug’s class?

  • Anti-androgen, anti-neoplastic agent

Who do I call with questions?

________________________________

When do I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you have any of these:

  • Any bothersome side effects or any side effects that do not go away
  • A temperature over 101°F or if your temperature stays over 100.4°F for more than an hour
  • A bothersome rash or a rash covering a large part of your body while on this medicine
  • You fall
  • Fainting or seizure

     

4/2018