Enzalutamide: Uses and Side Effects

Enzalutamide is a prescription medication used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as androgen receptor inhibitors, which work by blocking the effects of androgens in the body.

Enzalutamide FAQ

Image credit: alamy.com

What is enzalutamide used for?

Enzalutamide was developed and marketed by Medivation for the treatment of prostate cancer. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of mCRPC in the United States in August 2012, and for the treatment of nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in July 2018.

Where can I find information about enzalutamide?

This page contains brief information about enzalutamide and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials. FDA label information for this drug is available at DailyMed. Prostate cancer. It is used:

Can enzalutamide be given alone?

Enzalutamide can be given alone, but it is usually given with other types of treatment. Sometimes, it can be given before or after chemotherapy. Some people have it instead of chemotherapy. You might be offered enzalutamide if you have already had a chemotherapy drug called docetaxel and the cancer has stopped responding to it.

What is enzalutamide (Xtandi®)?

Enzalutamide (Xtandi®) is a type of hormone therapy for men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body ( advanced prostate cancer ). Enzalutamide works by blocking the effect of the hormone testosterone on prostate cancer cells.

How does enzalutamide work?

Enzalutamide is a hormone treatment - it belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-androgens. It works by blocking the action of male hormones called androgens. Testosterone is an androgen. Prostate cancer cells need the male hormone testosterone to grow and multiply well.

How does enzalutamide work for prostate cancer?

Enzalutamide is a hormone treatment that blocks testosterone from reaching prostate cancer cells. This can slow the growth of the cancer and may shrink it. You might hear it called an androgen receptor blocker (inhibitor). How do you have enzalutamide? You take enzalutamide as capsules, once a day. You swallow them whole with a glass of water.

How is enzalutamide treated?

Treatment options for this type of cancer typically include hormone treatment, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Enzalutamide is a hormone treatment - it belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-androgens. It works by blocking the action of male hormones called androgens. Testosterone is an androgen.