Nilutamide
About Nilutamide
Nilutamide is an anti-androgen medicine used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a condition that occurs when the prostate gland cells increase abnormally. Symptoms may include difficulty in urinating, pain, numbness, etc. It is used in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer in combination with surgical castration.
Nilutamide contains Nilutamide, which belongs to the class of androgen inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the production of the testosterone hormone and thus stops the growth and spread of cancer.
Nilutamide may cause certain side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, confusion, hot flushes, loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. These side effects usually disappear without any medical attention. Take Nilutamide as prescribed by your doctor.
Nilutamide should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing or a history of liver/kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, and respiratory problems before taking Nilutamide. Nilutamide is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established. This medicine is only intended for male patients.
Uses of Nilutamide
Medicinal Benefits
Nilutamide contains Nilutamide, which belongs to the class of androgen inhibitors. Testosterone is a natural hormone produced by the body. This causes an increase in cancer cells in the prostate gland. Nilutamide works by inhibiting the production of the testosterone hormone and thus stops the growth and spread of cancer. It is mainly intended for use in men only.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Nilutamide
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle Weakness
- Confusion
- Hot Flushes
- Loss of Appetite
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
Drug Warnings
Nilutamide should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Let your doctor know about your complete medical and medication history beforehand to rule out any side effects. Inform your doctor if you have/had any conditions like liver/kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or taking any other medicines before taking Nilutamide as it may cause serious side effects. Nilutamide is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established. Nilutamide may cause intestinal pneumonitis hepatitis.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Nilutamide may interact with CYP3A4 Inducers (phenytoin, phenobarbital), antifungal medicine (ketoconazole, itraconazole), and many other medicines.
Drug-food interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-disease interactions: Nilutamide should be used with caution in patients with severe liver and kidney failure and cardiac problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Nilutamide with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy
not applicableNot intended for women.
Breast Feeding
not applicableNot intended for women.
Driving
cautionNilutamide may decrease alertness or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Nilutamide until your vision improves.
Liver
cautionNilutamide should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. This medicine may cause hepatitis. Hence, inform your doctor if you observe symptoms such as nausea, dark yellow-coloured urine, or jaundice. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition. Nilutamide is contraindicated for patients with severe hepatic insufficiency.
Kidney
cautionNilutamide should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition. Nilutamide is contraindicated for patients with severe renal insufficiency.
Children
unsafeNilutamide is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to take vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, spinach and kale. This food slows the growth of prostate cancer and even reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
- It is advised to consume fewer dairy products as these foods may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss and gives strength.
- Maintain a healthy weight by doing regular simple exercises and yoga.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- Avoid including high amounts of red meat in your diet. When meat is cooked, it may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Special Advise
- Nilutamide is not recommended for use in patients suffering from severe hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity.
- This medicine may cause laboratory abnormalities like elevated alkaline phosphatase and hypokalemia.
- Regular monitoring of liver and kidney functioning is recommended, with liver/kidney function tests recommended during Nilutamide usage.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Prostate cancer: The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland present under the bladder which is responsible for the production of seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is a carcinogenic condition that occurs when the cells of the prostate gland increase out of control. The main cause of this condition is unknown. However, a few underlying reasons that increase the risk for this condition include age, family history, ethnic group, genetic factors, obesity, etc.
FAQs
Nilutamide is used to treat prostate cancer.
Nilutamide contains Nilutamide, which works by inhibiting the production of the testosterone hormone and thus stops the growth and spread of cancer.
No, do not stop taking Nilutamide without consulting your doctor. It is recommended to take this medicine for the entire prescribed duration, even when symptoms improve or resolve.
Take Nilutamide as advised by your doctor. However, if you forget or miss any dose of Nilutamide, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for your next dose. But do not double the dose.
