Enzalutamide (Generic Name)

Other Name: Xtandi®

About This Drug

Enzalutamide is a drug used to treat prostate cancer. It is administered orally (by mouth).

Possible Side Effects (More Common)

  • Swelling of the hands or feet
  • Headache
  • Hot flashes
  • Diarrhea
  • Bone marrow depression: This is mainly a decrease in the number of white blood cells which may increase your risk of infection. Your doctor will also monitor your red blood cells and platelets.
  • Back pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Upper respiratory infection
  • Fatigue

Possible Side Effects (Less Common)

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Dry skin
  • Blood in the urine
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling of the hands and/or feet
  • Nose bleeds
  • Seizures

Reproductive Concerns

  • Pregnancy warning: This drug is not indicated for use in women. Men should use effective means of birth control during your cancer treatment and for at least 3 months following the completion of therapy.
  • Genetic counseling is available to you to discuss the effects of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. In addition, a genetic counselor can review the potential risks of problems in the fetus due to this medication if an exposure during pregnancy has occurred.
  • Breast-feeding warning: This drug is not indicated for use in women.

Treating Side Effects

  • Drink 6-8 cups of fluid every day unless your doctor has told you to restrict your fluid intake. A cup is 8 ounces of fluid. If you vomit or have diarrhea, you should drink more fluids so that you do not become dehydrated.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse about medicine to help prevent or lessen pain, diarrhea and/or headache.
  • Do not put anything on your dry skin unless your doctor or nurse says you may. Keep the area clean and dry. Ask your doctor or nurse to recommend a product for dry skin.
  •  If you have a nose bleed, sit with your head tipped slightly forward. Apply pressure by lightly pinching the bridge of your nose between your thumb and forefinger. Call your doctor if you feel dizzy or faint or if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 to 15 minutes.

Food and Drug Interactions

This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications and dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, and others) that you are currently taking. The safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements and alternative diets are often unknown. Using these might unexpectedly affect your cancer or interfere with your treatment. Until more is known, you should not use dietary supplements or alternative diets without your cancer doctor’s advice.

Other Instructions

  • Swallow capsules whole. Do not chew, dissolve, or open the capsules.
  • May be taken with or without food.
  • Take the same time each day.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following:

  • Fever of 100.5°F (38.0°C) or above
  • Chills
  • Dizziness
  • Uncontrolled nausea or vomiting that prevents you from eating or drinking.
  • Diarrhea of four times a day or more or weakness or lightheadedness.
  • Blood in the urine
  • Shortness of breath
  • Edema or swelling of the hands or feet.
  • Symptoms of a respiratory infection (cough, sputum production, shortness of breath)
  • Seizures

Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Muscle pain or weakness
  • Nose bleeds
  • Extreme weakness that interferes with normal activities.
  • Tingling of the hands and/or feet.
  • Extreme fatigue that interferes with daily activities

New — January 2013

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