Aresta 40

Indications

Enzalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer in adult men. It is used for prostate cancer that has spread (metastatic), including cancer that still responds to hormone therapy and cancer that keeps growing despite lowered testosterone (castration-resistant), and for some non-metastatic cancers at high risk of spreading. It is prescribed by a cancer specialist.

How It Works

Prostate cancer cells use male hormones (androgens such as testosterone) to grow. Enzalutamide blocks the androgen receptor in several ways: it stops androgens from attaching, stops the receptor from moving into the cell nucleus and stops it from switching on growth genes. This slows or stops the growth of the cancer.

Dosage and Administration

Take exactly as prescribed by your cancer specialist, once a day at the same time, with or without food. Swallow capsules or tablets whole with water; do not chew, dissolve or open them. Treatment is usually continued alongside hormone therapy that lowers testosterone. Your doctor may reduce the dose if you have side effects.

Interactions

Enzalutamide reduces the effect of many medicines, including Warfarin, some blood pressure and heart medicines, some painkillers, Midazolam, and hormonal contraceptives. Strong inhibitors such as Gemfibrozil can raise Enzalutamide levels. Medicines that lower the seizure threshold (such as Tramadol, Bupropion or some antipsychotics) increase seizure risk. Always tell your doctors and pharmacist that you take Enzalutamide.

Contraindications

Do not take if you are allergic to Enzalutamide. It is not for use in women, especially those who are or may become pregnant.

Side Effects

• Tiredness and weakness
• Hot flushes
• High blood pressure
• Falls and broken bones
• Headache, dizziness, memory or concentration problems
• Joint or back pain, loss of appetite, diarrhoea

Get urgent medical help if you have a seizure (fit), severe headache with confusion or vision changes, chest pain or shortness of breath, signs of a heart attack or stroke, a severe skin rash with blisters, or swelling of the face or throat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not for use in women. It can harm an unborn baby. Men taking it should use a condom and another effective form of contraception if their partner could become pregnant, during treatment and for 3 months after stopping. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle broken or damaged capsules.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have had seizures, a brain injury, stroke, heart disease or high blood pressure. Your blood pressure will be checked regularly. Take steps to prevent falls. Do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy or have had a seizure.

Overdose

Overdose increases the risk of seizures. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Antineoplastic; androgen receptor inhibitor (anticancer hormone therapy).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep in the original pack.