Prostate cancer in males that starts in the prostate (a male reproductive gland) and has spread to other parts of the body or that has not migrated to other areas of the body but has not responded to other medical treatments is treated with apalutamide. A class of drugs known as androgen receptor inhibitors includes apalutamide. In order to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, it blocks the effects of androgen, a hormone produced by male reproductive organs.

A tablet to be swallowed with food contains apalutamide. It is typically taken once day, with or without food. Take apalutamide every day at roughly the same time. Ask your doctor or chemist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Administer apalutamide exactly as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Do not chew, split, or crush the tablet(s); rather, swallow them whole. If you are having trouble swallowing the tablet(s), consult your physician or chemist. Read the medication’s manufacturer’s directions for use very carefully. If you find it difficult to swallow the apalutamide pills whole, follow these instructions on how to prepare and take a dose. If you have any questions, be sure to consult your physician or chemist.

Tablets of apalutamide may also be administered through specific kinds of feeding tubes. Ask your doctor how you should take the medication if you have a feeding tube. Carefully adhere to your doctor’s instructions.

If you encounter severe adverse effects while receiving therapy, your doctor may lower your dose or temporarily or permanently stop your medication. As you receive apalutamide medication, be sure to discuss your feelings with your doctor.

You will need to continue taking this medication throughout your treatment with apalutamide if your doctor has prescribed it to treat your prostate cancer, such as goserelin (Zoladex), histrelin (Supprelin LA, Vantas), leuprolide (Camcevi, Eligard, Fensolvi, Lupron), or triptorelin (Trelstar, Triptodur).

Even if you are feeling fine, keep taking apalutamide. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking apalutamide.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your chemist or doctor.

Ask your doctor or chemist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking apalutamide,

• If you have an allergy to apalutamide, any other drugs, or any of the substances in apalutamide tablets, inform your doctor right away. Request a list of the ingredients from your chemist.
• Inform your doctor and chemist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• The over-the-counter medications fexofenadine (Allegra) and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC) may interact with apalutamide. Before you begin using apalutamide, be sure to inform your doctor and chemist that you are taking these medications. Avoid starting these medications while taking apalutamide without first consulting your doctor.
• Inform your physician if you are currently experiencing or have ever experienced cardiac issues, such as a heart attack, angina (chest discomfort), heart failure, hypertension, or a stroke or ministroke. Additionally, let your physician know if you’ve ever experienced seizures, a brain tumour, a brain injury, high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid issues, or osteoporosis.
• Apalutamide should only be used in males, as you should be aware. In particular, women who are breastfeeding or who may become pregnant shouldn’t take this drug. Apalutamide may be harmful to the foetus if consumed by pregnant women. A pregnant woman who takes apalutamide needs to contact her doctor right away.
• You must use a condom everytime you have sex while taking apalutamide and for three months after your last dose if your partner is expecting. You must use a condom and an alternative method of birth control whenever you have sex while receiving therapy and for three months after your last dose if your partner is not pregnant but could become pregnant. While taking apalutamide and for three months following your last dose, avoid donating sperm or semen.
• The possibility of seizures from apalutamide should be noted. Prior to understanding how this drug affects you, avoid using machinery or driving a car.
• You should be aware that taking apalutamide may weaken your bones and muscles, increasing your chance of falling and fracturing a bone.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. On the other hand, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing plan if you don’t remember until the following day. Never take two doses in a single day, and never double the dose to make up for a missing one.

Side effects are possible with apalutamide. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Joints hurt
• A weakened or tight muscle
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Reduced appetite
• Slim down
• A hot flash

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you encounter any of these symptoms, or seek emergency care:

• Seizures
• Consciousness is lost
• Swelling in the hands, feet, legs, arms, or hands
• Falling
• Chest ache
• Breathing difficulty
• Difficulty speaking or understanding; difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; numbness or weakening of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; or having trouble walking
• Rash
• Blisters, rashes, or peeling of the skin, with or without a fever
• Flu-like symptoms or a fever
• Enlarged glands

Other negative effects of apalutamide are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088 if you have a serious side event.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To monitor your body’s reaction to apalutamide, your doctor will request specific lab tests.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding prescription refills should be directed to your chemist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.