Apalutamide (Erleada)

The Basics

Apalutamide (brand names- Erleada, Erlyand) is an FDA-approved treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate is a male reproductive gland.

Apalutamide is in a class of medications called androgen receptor inhibitors. It works by blocking the effects of androgen (a male reproductive hormone) to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about apalutamide.

How should I take apalutamide or Erleada?

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Apalutamide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Take apalutamide at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot swallow the tablets whole, consult your doctor.

Take apalutamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes. Do not stop taking apalutamide without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.

What are the side effects of apalutamide or Erleada?

Common Side effects

Serious side effects

Apalutamide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking apalutamide or Erleada

  • tell your doctor about your allergies
  • tell your doctor about other intakes
  • tell your doctor any other sickness, disease or symptom in the past or now

While you are on apalutamide or Erleada

  • you should know that apalutamide is only for use in men. Women should not take this medication, especially if they are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Apalutamide may harm the fetus.
  • talk to your doctor about contraception and the types of birth control that are right for you.
  • do not donate semen or sperm while taking apalutamide and for three months after your final dose.
  • you should know that apalutamide may cause seizures. Do not drive a car or operate machinery without talking to your doctor.
  • you should know that apalutamide may cause your muscles and bones to get weak, which may increase your risk of falling and breaking a bone.

I forgot a dose, what should I do?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

In case of an emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What should I safely store and dispose of apalutamide or Erleada?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal die

Brand names

  • Erleada®
  • Erlyand®

Last Revised – 03/03/2023, FDA updated- 09/17/2019, SG

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DISCLAIMER: No part of this content constitutes medical advice, opinion, or should be used for medical decision making without consultation with a licenced medical practitioner and under a patient-provider relationship. All information on the website is provided without any claims of accuracy. For full terms and conditions, visit this link. Content curated by the Ankr team.

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