Xtandi 40mg Tablets (Enzalutamide)

Recommended Dosage of the Xtandi 40mg Tablets

When discussing the recommended dosage for Xtandi 40mg tablets, it’s important to keep the information straightforward and accessible. Xtandi is primarily prescribed for individuals battling prostate cancer, and understanding the correct dosage is crucial for effective treatment.

For adults diagnosed with prostate cancer, the usual dosage is 160 mg, which translates to four 40 mg capsules taken orally once a day. This dosage is a general guideline and applies to patients with different stages and types of prostate cancer, including castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC).

If you’re taking Xtandi, there’s an important consideration regarding additional treatments. Patients with CRPC or mCSPC should also be receiving a gonadotropic-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog alongside Xtandi, or they should have undergone a bilateral orchiectomy. This combination of treatments is vital for managing your condition effectively.

For those with non-metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (nmCSPC) who are at a high risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR), Xtandi may be used with or without a GnRH analog. This flexibility in treatment allows healthcare providers to tailor the therapy to individual patient needs.

Furthermore, there’s an opportunity to pause treatment under certain conditions. If you’re receiving Xtandi and your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) becomes undetectable (< 0.2 ng/mL) after 36 weeks of therapy, your doctor might consider suspending the treatment. However, it’s crucial to closely monitor your PSA levels, as treatment should be reinitiated once the PSA increases to ≥ 2.0 ng/mL for those who had a prior radical prostatectomy or ≥ 5.0 ng/mL for patients who underwent prior primary radiation therapy.

We understand that managing prostate cancer is a complex journey, and it’s essential to stay informed about your treatment options. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure that your treatment plan, including the dosage of Xtandi, is tailored to your specific needs and health status. Remember, the goal is to navigate this path with the most effective and personalized care possible.

Warnings and Precautions of Xtandi Tablets

Warnings:

If you have a history of seizures, brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors, it’s crucial to inform your doctor.

Let your doctor know if you’ve had heart disease, high blood pressure, or abnormal levels of fat or cholesterol in your blood (dyslipidemia).

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s essential to understand that Xtandi can potentially harm your unborn baby or lead to miscarriage. If you’re a male with a partner who can get pregnant, using effective birth control during treatment and for three months after the last dose is necessary. Additionally, it’s important to use a condom during sex with a pregnant partner.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, consult your doctor, as it’s not known whether Xtandi passes into breast milk.

Precautions:

Before starting enzalutamide (the active ingredient in Xtandi), inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you have or if you’re allergic to any inactive ingredients in the product.

Share your medical history, especially if you have high blood pressure, a history of seizures, risk factors for seizures, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, a history of falls, or broken bones.

Since Xtandi may rarely cause seizures, consult your doctor about avoiding activities where sudden loss of consciousness could pose a risk to yourself or others.

Be aware that Xtandi can cause dizziness and combining it with alcohol or marijuana can intensify this effect. Refrain from driving or operating machinery until you’re sure you can do so safely. Limit your alcohol intake, and discuss marijuana use with your doctor.

Before undergoing surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the medications you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products.

Possible Side Effects of Xtandi Tablets

You may notice some side effects while taking Xtandi tablets. These could include hot flashes, headaches, dizziness, or a decrease in sexual interest or ability. If any of these effects persist or become bothersome, it’s important to inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

It’s important to remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe the benefits outweigh the potential risks of side effects. Many people who use this medication do not experience serious side effects.

However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects: back pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the arms or legs; falls or broken bones; or notice pink or red urine.

Xtandi may also raise your blood pressure. Be sure to check your blood pressure regularly and inform your doctor if you notice high readings.

Seek medical help right away if you experience very serious side effects such as persistent headaches, decreased alertness, seizures, sudden changes in vision, mental or mood changes (such as memory problems or confusion), or signs of a heart attack like chest pain, jaw pain, left arm pain, shortness of breath, or unusual sweating.

Additionally, Xtandi may lower your ability to fight infections, making you more susceptible to serious infections or worsening any existing infection. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as a persistent sore throat, fever, chills, or cough.

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Xtandi is possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as a rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

This list doesn’t cover all possible side effects. If you notice any other effects not mentioned here, it’s important to contact your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.

Can We Use Other Medicines with Xtandi Tablets?

Yes, you can take Xtandi tablets with other medications, but it’s crucial to inform your doctor about every medicine you’re currently using. This includes all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and any supplements.

Some drugs that might interact with Xtandi are abiraterone acetate, alfacalcidol, aliskiren, antiarrhythmics, asunaprevir, cobicistat, ergot alkaloids, fentanyl, lurasidone, pimozide, quinidine, medications for seizures, St. John’s wort, tenofovir, among others. Xtandi could also influence how other medicines function, so it’s vital to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take it correctly. Never alter or stop your prescribed dosage without first discussing it with your doctor.

Can Alcohol Drinker Take Xtandi Tablets?

The interaction between Xtandi and alcohol isn’t fully understood. However, both Xtandi and alcohol are processed by the liver. Drinking excessive alcohol when on Xtandi could overwhelm your liver, hindering its ability to metabolize the medication properly. This can raise the risk of experiencing side effects from Xtandi.

Therefore, it’s important to discuss with your doctor how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you to consume while taking Xtandi. Additionally, since Xtandi can interact with various other medications, it’s crucial to inform your doctor about all the prescription, over the counter, and herbal medications you’re taking, as well as any supplements.

Can You Take Xtandi Tablets If You’re Pregnant?

No, Xtandi tablets should not be used if you’re pregnant. According to the guidelines, Xtandi can harm the fetus due to how it works. As a result, it’s not recommended for women who are, or might become, pregnant while on the medication. If you become pregnant while taking Xtandi, you should be aware of the possible risks to the baby and the chance of losing the pregnancy. It’s important for women who could get pregnant to use reliable birth control while undergoing treatment with Xtandi.