Apalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and is castration resistant (has not responded to treatment that lowers testosterone levels). Apalutamide may also be given alone or with other medications to treat advanced prostate cancer. It works by blocking androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells, which may help keep them from growing. This medication belongs to a group of medications called androgen receptor inhibitors. It is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Apalutamide can cause serious side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a severe reaction to this drug (fever, sore throat, burning mouth or throat, swollen face or eyes, skin rash with blistering and peeling, chills, cough, shortness of breath, body aches). Other serious side effects may include seizures and mental or mood changes. Get emergency medical help if you have these symptoms:
Some men with advanced prostate cancer can’t have hormone therapy, such as a type of chemotherapy or radiation. They are sometimes able to take apalutamide (Erleada). The medication helps some of these men live longer than with other treatments alone.
Your doctor will order blood tests before and during your treatment with apalutamide. These will measure your liver and kidney function. They will also check your PSA level. PSA stands for prostate specific antigen and is a protein that’s made by the prostate. The lower the PSA level, the better.
Apalutamide can also affect your calcium and phosphorus levels. These are important for bone health. Your doctor will check your blood and urine to measure these. Your doctor will also order an imaging test, such as a CT scan or an MRI. This will help find out how well the medication is working.
During treatment, you should use barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms for men and birth control pills for women. You should not become pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor before you decide whether to breastfeed or not.
This medicine is usually taken by mouth with or without food once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not chew or crush the tablet. If you cannot swallow tablets whole, mix them with 4 ounces of applesauce. Wait 15 minutes, stir the mixture, and then swallow it. You can also add the medicine to your formula in a feeding tube. If you do this, follow your doctor’s instructions for use carefully. Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medication.
