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Nilutamide |
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What is Nilutamide and why is it prescribed? Nilutamide is used for advanced prostate cancer. An "antiandrogen" drug, Nilutamide blocks the effects of the male hormone testosterone, which is known to encourage prostate cancer. Nilutamide is part of a treatment program that begins with removal of the testes, a major, but not the only, source of testosterone. Nilutamide treatment must begin on the same day as, or on the day after, surgical removal of the testes. You should not interrupt the doses or stop taking Nilutamide without consulting your doctor. How should you take Nilutamide? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nilutamide. You may take Nilutamide with or without food. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Nilutamide at room temperature away from light. Are there any Nilutamide side effects? Nilutamide side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Nilutamide side effects may include abnormal vision, alcohol intolerance, constipation, decreased sex drive, difficulty breathing, dizziness, heart failure, hot flashes, impotence, increase in blood pressure, lung problems, nausea, poor adaptation to the dark, tingling feeling, and urinary tract infection. Less common Nilutamide side effects may include abdominal bleeding or discomfort, angina (chest pain), arthritis, cataracts, coughing, diarrhea, dry mouth, fainting, general feeling of discomfort, high sensitivity to light, inflammation of the nasal passages, itching, nervousness, swelling, tarry stools, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nilutamide? If Nilutamide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Nilutamide can cause a reaction to alcohol. If you develop a facial flush, flu-like symptoms, and a decrease in blood pressure after drinking alcohol, you'll need to give up alcoholic beverages while taking Nilutamide. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nilutamide with Phenytoin (Dilantin), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), or Vitamin K antagonists (Coumadin). If you are already taking Coumadin, you will need to be monitored especially closely after treatment with Nilutamide begins. Your doctor may need to lower your dosage of Coumadin. Are there any special warnings about Nilutamide? Nilutamide occasionally causes inflammation of the lungs; and if a problem does develop, you may have to stop taking the drug. Report any symptoms that might suggest a lung problem to your doctor right away. Warning signs include difficulty breathing upon exertion or worsening of a pre-existing problem, cough, chest pain, and fever. This lung condition almost always goes away when Nilutamide treatment is stopped. Nilutamide may also cause liver damage in some people. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your liver function before you start treatment and periodically thereafter. If a liver problem does develop, you may have to stop taking Nilutamide. Report any symptoms of liver damage to your doctor immediately. Warning signs include dark urine, jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, tenderness in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting. While taking Nilutamide, you may also find that your eyes are slow to adapt to the dark when you leave a lighted area. Be careful when driving at night or through tunnels. Tinted glasses will help this problem. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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