Enzamide 40mg capsule contains the active ingredient Enzalutamide. It is an antineoplastic drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as androgen receptor inhibitors. This medication is used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in patients who do not respond to surgical or hormonal treatments.

It is not recommended to take this capsules if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. During the treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor for Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that can be elevated in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels can help monitor the progression of the disease and the response to treatment. Other tests also include liver function tests and complete blood count(CBC) to prevent serious complications. 

This medicine can cause seizures, so patients with a history of seizures should use caution when taking this medication. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this drug, as it can increase the levels of the medication in the body. This drug is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby, and it also causes fertility issues, inform your doctor about any fertility concern you may have before starting treatment with this medicine. Before beginning this treatment, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 3 months after the last dose of Enzamide 40mg capsule.

• Advanced prostate cancer

It works by inhibiting the active form of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone. It selectively blocks the androgen receptors and disrupts the translocation of signals from the receptor to the cell. Thus, the androgen hormone does not bind to the androgen receptors and these androgen receptors do not interact with DNA. This blocks the functioning of cancer cells and reduces its multiplication.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Enzamide 40mg capsule and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. 

• Store Enzamide 40mg capsule in the original package at room temperature (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep it out of reach from children and pets.

Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Enzamide 40mg capsule based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The standard dose for this drug is 160 mg taken once daily, with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or break the capsules. Swallow the whole capsule with water. If you forgot to take the capsule, simply take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious

• Hypersensitivity
• Seizures
• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
• Heart disease
• Falls and fractures

Common

• Tiredness
• Back pain
• Constipation
• Arthralgia
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• High BP
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Dry skin
• Enlarged breasts in men
• Inability to concentrate

Enzamide 40mg capsule causes skin dryness so it is advised to use an effective moisturiser for your skin. Ensure that you stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Store the drug in the original package at room temperature (25°C). Keep it out of reach from children and pets. It is important to get the dose at the scheduled time. If you missed the schedule, contact your doctor and reschedule the dose. Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness, nausea or tiredness while on treatment with this drug.

1. Astellas Pharma Ltd, [Revised on Oct 2020] [Accessed on 8th Apr 2021], https://www.astellas.us/docs/12a005-enz-wpi.pdf
2. 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
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],
4. https://ruc.udc.es/dspace/bitstream/handle/2183/21551/Lzro_Enzlutamide.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y
5. Marina D. Kaymakcalan and Christy S. Harris, Prostate Cancer, Applied Therapeutics, The Clinical Use Of Drugs, 11th Edition, 2018, 2083-2100.