Darolutamide
About Darolutamide
Darolutamide belongs to a group of medicines known as androgen receptor inhibitors. It is used to treat non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in combination with docetaxel. Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) is prostate cancer that has not spread but continues to grow despite low testosterone levels. Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) is a cancer that has spread to other parts of the body but still responds to testosterone-lowering treatments.
Darolutamide contains Darolutamide, which works by inhibiting the effects of androgens, the hormones that promote prostate cancer growth. By blocking androgen stimulation, Darolutamide helps slow the progression of cancer and limits its spread.
Take Darolutamide for the duration prescribed by your doctor based on your medical condition. Some common side effects may include abnormal liver function test, decreased white blood cell count (neutropenia), tiredness, pain in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, and rash. These effects are usually temporary and do not require medical attention. However, if they continue or worsen, see your doctor for advice.
Darolutamide is for use in men only. Pregnant women should not take this medication as it may harm the fetus. Before taking Darolutamide, inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, including heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, seizures, brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, or any kidney or liver problems. Darolutamide may reduce male fertility and affect the ability to father children. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns regarding fertility.
Uses of Darolutamide
Treatment of Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC): Darolutamide is used in combination with docetaxel to treat metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). It inhibits cancer cell growth, enhances treatment effectiveness, and improves patient outcomes.
Medicinal Benefits
Darolutamide contains darolutamide, an androgen receptor inhibitor. It is used to treat non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Most prostate cancers need testosterone to grow, and in men, the testicles are the main source of testosterone production. Darolutamide works by inhibiting androgen receptors, preventing testosterone from stimulating cancer cell growth and slowing down the spread of prostate cancer.
Directions for Use
Swallow the medicine as a whole with water; do not crush, break, or chew it. For better absorption and effectiveness, it should be taken with meals.
Storage
Side Effects of Darolutamide
Side effects of Darolutamide in people with nmCRPC:
- Increase in liver function tests
- Decreased white blood cells (neutropenia)
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Arm, leg, hand or foot pain
- Rash
Side effects of Darolutamide when used with docetaxel in people with mHSPC:
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Bleeding
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Decreased red blood cells (anaemia)
- High blood sugar levels
- Low blood calcium levels
Drug Warnings
Do not take Darolutamide if you are allergic or hypersensitive to any of its components. Before taking Darolutamide, inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, including heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, seizures, brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, or any kidney or liver problems. Pregnant women should not take this medication as it may harm the fetus. If taken during pregnancy, consult a doctor immediately. Darolutamide is for use in men only; it is not recommended for use in female patients and children.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking lipid-lowering agents (rosuvastatin, atorvastatin) or antiemetic (ondansetron).
Drug-Food interactions: Do not take grapefruit and its juice while on treatment with Darolutamide.
Drug-Disease interactions: Inform the doctor if you have liver or kidney impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if alcohol interacts with Darolutamide. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
unsafeDarolutamide should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the foetus and miscarriage (loss of pregnancy).
Breast Feeding
not applicableIt is not known if Darolutamide passes into breast milk. However, Darolutamide is only for use in men. Women should not take this medication.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is not known if Darolutamide affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert after taking Darolutamide.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Darolutamide.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Darolutamide.
Children
unsafeDarolutamide is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Reduce processed foods, red meat, and saturated fats.
- Stay active with regular physical activity.
- Maintain a healthy weight to promote general well-being.
- Quit smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress with relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Special Advise
- Males who have partners with reproductive potential must use effective contraception during treatment with Darolutamide and for 1 week after the last dose. Speak with your doctor about effective birth control methods.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is a form of prostate cancer that no longer responds to testosterone-lowering treatments (castration-resistant) but has not spread beyond the prostate (non-metastatic). Often, there are no symptoms with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. It can be determined through blood tests, physical exams or scans (PET, CT or bone scan).
Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer is described as prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland to other regions of the body (such as the bones or lymph nodes) and also remains responsive to hormone therapy.
FAQs
Darolutamide is used in the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). It is also used in combination with docetaxel in the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).
Darolutamide contains Darolutamide, which inhibits the effects of androgens, the hormones that promote prostate cancer growth. By blocking androgen stimulation, Darolutamide helps slow the progression of cancer and limits its spread.
Do not stop taking Darolutamide without consulting your doctor, as it may reduce the medication’s effectiveness. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Darolutamide for as long as prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, Darolutamide is intended for daily use as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the recommended dosage carefully, and do not skip or exceed it without medical guidance.
Darolutamide is intended for use in men only. Women, especially those who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, should not take this medication.
In certain cases, Darolutamide may lead to decreased fertility in men. However, you should not assume that your partner is unable to become pregnant. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding fertility.
Darolutamide is better absorbed into the bloodstream when taken with food. Always take this medication with a meal, as directed by your doctor.
Taking higher doses than prescribed is ineffective and may cause side effects. Therefore, it's essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor to ensure safe and effective use.
Darolutamide is combined with docetaxel for the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). This combination has been shown to improve the effectiveness of the medication compared to using docetaxel or Darolutamide alone.
Common side effects include abnormal liver function test, decreased white blood cell count (neutropenia), tiredness, pain in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, and rash. Seek medical care if the side effects persist or worsen.
