Apalutamide

Apalutamide is a medicine used to treat certain types of prostate cancer. It is mainly prescribed for men whose cancer is castration-resistant or castration-sensitive, meaning the cancer continues to grow even when testosterone levels are low.

Apalutamide is a targeted hormone therapy, not chemotherapy. It works by blocking the effect of male hormones (androgens) that help prostate cancer cells grow.

This medicine should be taken only under the supervision of a cancer specialist.

Uses of Apalutamide

Apalutamide is used for:

• Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
• Metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC)
• Used along with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)

How Apalutamide Works

Apalutamide belongs to a group of medicines called androgen receptor inhibitors.

It works by:

• Blocking androgen receptors on prostate cancer cells
• Preventing testosterone from stimulating cancer growth
• Slowing down or stopping cancer spread

This helps control the disease more effectively.

How to Take Apalutamide

• Take Apalutamide exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Usually taken once daily, with or without food
• Swallow tablets whole with water
• Take it at the same time every day

Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Common Side Effects

Some people may experience:

• Tiredness
• Skin rash
• Joint pain
• Weight loss
• Hot flashes
• High blood pressure

These side effects are common and often manageable.

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Help Immediately)

• Severe skin rash
• Seizures
• Falls or bone fractures
• Thyroid problems

Report any unusual or severe symptoms to your doctor right away.

Safety Precautions

• Pregnancy: Not for women; can harm an unborn baby
• Bone Health: Increased risk of fractures
• Heart & Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring needed
• Seizure Risk: Use with caution in patients with a seizure history
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take. Apalutamide may interact with:

• Anti-seizure medicines
• Blood thinners
• Certain heart or cholesterol medicines
• Herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort

These interactions may reduce effectiveness or increase side effects.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C
• Keep away from moisture and sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use expired tablets

FAQs

Q1. What is Apalutamide used for?
It is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men.

Q2. Is Apalutamide chemotherapy?
No. It is a targeted hormone therapy.

Q3. Do patients need to continue ADT while taking Apalutamide?
Yes. It is usually taken along with androgen deprivation therapy.

Q4. Can Apalutamide cure prostate cancer?
It helps control the disease but does not cure it.

Fact Box

• Drug Name: Apalutamide
• Drug Class: Androgen receptor inhibitor
• Used For: Advanced prostate cancer
• Dose: Once daily