Apalutamide

What is this medication for?

Apalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer which may or may not have spread to other parts of the body. Apalutamide works by blocking the effect of androgens (male sex hormones which increase the growth of prostate cancer cells).

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take Apalutamide once a day
• You can take it with or without food
• Do not break or crush the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
  • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Return to your normal schedule the next day. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication
• Your partner becomes pregnant
  • You should use effective birth control during and for at least three months after stopping treatment
• You have any other medical conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure or a history of seizures or epilepsy
• You are taking or intend to take any other medications (e.g. warfarin), supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Feeling tired or weak
  • Be careful of falls and take measures to prevent them e.g. wear non-slip shoes, keep the house free of clutter, keep away from darkly-lit places
• Increased blood pressure
  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly and record it down. Inform your doctor if you notice an increasing trend.
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Rash
• Hot flushes (feeling of warmth)
  • If this affects you, take Apalutamide at bedtime. However if night sweats affect your sleep, take Apalutamide in the morning instead.
  • Take cool showers and where possible, stay in a cool place
• Joint pain
• Swelling of hands or feet
  • Lift up your feet when sitting down
• Nausea, decreased appetite
  • Take small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Diarrhea
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two litres everyday)

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• Symptoms of a drug allergy including one or more of the following:
  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
• Frequent falls
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, fast or abnormal heartbeat
• Seizures

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack Apalutamide into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.