Apalutamide is an anticancer drug in the androgen receptor inhibitors class of medications. The FDA approved the medicine for its medical use on September 17, 2019.

It is indicated for treating patients with certain types of prostate cancer whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body and still responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone (male reproductive hormone) or whose cancer has not spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone.

Apalutamide is an orally administered drug. Take medicine as informed by your physician. It is generally taken with or without food once a day. Take the tablet at around the same time every day. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not stop taking Apalutamide without talking to your doctor.

The common side effects are increased cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, swelling in the lower legs or hands, rash and reddening of the skin, decreased body weight and loss of appetite, diarrhea and nausea, muscle pain, tiredness, and dizziness. Other serious side effects are anemia, heart disease, stroke or mini-stroke, increased blood sugar levels, decreased white blood cells, fractures of bones, seizures and cerebrovascular events, severe skin reactions, and frequent falls. 

Ischemic cardiovascular events have occurred in patients receiving this medicine. Monitoring for any heart problems during the treatment is necessary. Report to your physician if you have shortness of breath or pain in the chest that radiates to the jaw and shoulders because this may be a sign of heart problems. This medicine may increase your risk of fractures and frequent falls. Apalutamide is indicated for use in only men; if administered to female patients, it may cause severe embryo-fetal toxicity.

Inform your physician if you have any symptoms of chest pain, indigestion, heart attack, trouble walking, and numbness in the face and body. Apalutamide is not recommended in pregnant women because this may cause harm to your unborn baby. This tablet may be taken with or without food. This medicine may cause fertility problems in males. Males should not become fathers or donate sperm during the treatment and for 3 months after the last done. Use effective birth control methods. 

Inform your healthcare professional about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Apalutamide and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

Store Apalutamide in the original package at room temperature (20°C to 25°C). Keep the tablets away from the reach of children and pets. If you missed a dose, do not take a double dose for the forgotten dose. If you have overdosed on Apalutamide tablets or someone accidentally takes your tablet, contact the hospital or a doctor immediately for medical advice. Before the treatment, inform your physician if you have heart, kidney, liver, or lung disorders. 

Your doctor might give you other medicines unless you had surgery to lower your body's testosterone. Continue taking this medicine with all the other medications that your doctor prescribes. Apalutamide may cause birth defects if your male partner uses this medicine while planning for pregnancy. Use effective birth control pills or methods during the treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Your physician will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Do not stop using this medicine, even for a short time, without first asking your doctor.

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2. 2021 (2021). Apalutamide: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] medlineplus.gov. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618018.html  [Accessed January 13, 2023].
3. PATIENT INFORMATION ERLEADA ® (er lee'dah) (apalutamide). (2022). [online] Available at: https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-patient-information/ERLEADA-ppi.pdf  [Accessed January 13, 2023].
4. www.cancer.gov. (2018). Apalutamide - National Cancer Institute. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/apalutamide  [Accessed January 13, 2023].

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.