Enzalutamide

This page contains concise information about the drug enzalutamide, such as its indications, dosage and administration guidelines, mechanism of action, related brands and their strengths, warnings, and typical adverse effects.

Context and Approval Date

Enzalutamide is an anticancer drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as antimetabolites. On August 31, 2012, the U.S. FDA approved it to treat prostate cancer.

Mechanism of Action of Enzalutamide

Enzalutamide operates through a three-fold mechanism of action. It strongly and competitively binds to androgens at the level of the androgen receptor (AR), stopping AR from moving from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Once in the nucleus, it impedes AR binding to chromosomal DNA, thereby halting the transcription of tumor genes.

All Substitutes

Product Packaging Size Company Price
Bdenza 40mg capsule 28 Capsules BDR Pharmaceuticals INR 5000
Glenza 40mg capsule 28 Capsules Glenmark Pharmaceuticals INR 4000
Obnyx 40mg capsule 4 Capsules Zudus Cadila INR 700
Enzana 40mg capsule 7 Capsules Hetero Healthcare INR 1500

Uses of Enzalutamide

Enzalutamide is recommended for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).

Enzalutamide's administration guidelines and available dosage options

Enzalutamide should be taken orally. Swallow the medication whole with water, and do not cut, crush, or chew it. It can be taken with or without food.

Information about enzalutamide

Enzalutamide uses

. Prostate cancer

How enzalutamide works

Enzalutamide functions as an antiandrogen by inhibiting the impact of natural male hormones on the growth of prostate cells.

Common side effects of Enzalutamide

Headache, Weakness, High blood pressure, Decreased appetite, Constipation, Back pain, hot flushes, Joint pain, Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle, or joint) pain, Diarrhea, Upper respiratory tract infection, Insomnia (difficulty sleeping), Anxiety, Blood in urine, Fall, Fracture, Taste change, Breathlessness, Weight loss
1. You have been prescribed enzalutamide for the treatment of prostate cancer.
2. Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time every day.
3. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration unless you know how enzalutamide affects you.
4. It may cause your skin to become light-sensitive. Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight, and use sunscreen when outdoors.
5. If you are diabetic, monitor your blood glucose regularly while taking enzalutamide.
6. Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
7. Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.

Warning, Precautions, and Side Effects Associated with Enzalutamide

Warning

If you are allergic to enzalutamide or any of its components, it is not advisable to take enzalutamide tablets. Throughout the course of enzalutamide treatment, your doctor may conduct periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. This blood test measures PSA levels, a protein the prostate gland produces that may be higher in men with prostate cancer. Monitoring PSA levels aids in tracking disease progression and treatment response. Additionally, liver function tests and a complete blood count (CBC) may be performed to avert potential complications. Inform your doctor of any prior diagnoses of stomach ulcers, cataracts, or lung disease, as well as any issues related to your heart, liver, skin, or kidneys.

Precautions

Enzalutamide tablets may impact male fertility, and their use is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before starting this treatment. Both men and women are advised to use effective contraceptive methods during the course of treatment and for 3 months after the final Enzalutamide dose. Caution is advised for patients with a history of seizures due to the potential risk of seizure occurrence with this medication. It is advisable to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Enzalutamide, as they can elevate the medication levels in the body.

Side Effects

During enzalutamide treatment, you may commonly experience fatigue, back pain, constipation, headaches, anxiety, dry skin, and difficulty concentrating. Serious side effects may include seizures, falls, fractures, and hypersensitivity reactions. If you encounter any allergic or unusual reactions following the medication, promptly inform your doctor.

Word of Advice

Only the patient or the patient's caregiver should handle enzalutamide. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should not touch damaged or broken medication without wearing gloves. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you forget for the entire day, take your regular dose the next day, but avoid doubling the dose. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

FAQ - Enzalutamide

1Which tests are necessary before starting enzalutamide treatment?
Prior to initiating enzalutamide treatment, your healthcare provider will suggest prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. This blood test measures PSA levels, a protein the prostate gland produces that may be higher in men with prostate cancer. Monitoring PSA levels aids in tracking disease progression and treatment response. Additional tests may include liver function tests and a complete blood count (CBC).
2If you miss a dose of Enzalutamide, what steps should you take?
If you forget to take a dose of Enzalutamide Tablet, skip that particular dose and avoid taking two tablets to compensate for the missed one. If you miss more than two doses of Enzalutamide, promptly inform your healthcare provider.
3Who should not take Enzalutamide?
Enzalutamide is not recommended for individuals with allergies to enzalutamide and its components. Additionally, it is advised that pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid its use, as enzalutamide may pose a risk to an unborn baby or be transmitted through breast milk.
4Can you smoke while on treatment with Enzalutamide?
Avoiding smoking cigarettes is advised during Enzalutamide treatment, as smoking can decrease the concentration of Enzalutamide in the body.
5What are the signs indicating that enzalutamide is overdosed?
Watch out for symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and a severe headache, and seek immediate medical attention from a nearby healthcare facility.

References

1. Astellas Pharma Europe B.V, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2021] [Accessed on 12th Nov 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10318.pdf
2. Astellas Pharma Ltd, [Revised on Oct 2020] [Accessed on 8th Apr 2021], https://www.astellas.us/docs/12a005-enz-wpi.pdf
3. Martín LázaroQuintela et al., Enzalutamide: a new prostate cancer targeted therapy against the androgen receptor, Cancer Treatment Reviews. Mar 2015; 41(3): 247-253 [Accessed on 8th Apr 2021],https://ruc.udc.es/dspace/bitstream/handle/2183/21551/Lzro_Enzlutamide.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y
4.Marina D. Kaymakcalan and Christy S. Harris, Prostate Cancer, Applied Therapeutics, The Clinical Use Of Drugs, 11th Edition, 2018, 2083-2100.