How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Darolutamide belongs to the class of medications called non-steroidal androgen receptor blockers, or anti-androgens. This medication is used to treat non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). This is prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body, but that no longer responds to surgical or medical treatment. It is also used in combination with docetaxel to treat metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). This is prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Prostate cancer cells require testosterone in order to grow and reproduce. Darolutamide works by blocking the effect of the male hormone testosterone in the body.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each white-to-off-white, film-coated, oval tablet, marked with BAYER on one side and with 300 on the other side, contains 300 mg of darolutamide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium hydrogen phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose 15 cP, lactose monohydrate, Macrogol 3350, magnesium stearate, povidone K 30, titanium dioxide.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of darolutamide is 600 mg (2 tablets of 300 mg), taken by mouth twice a day; this is equivalent to a daily dose of 1,200 mg. This medication should be taken with food. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew, crush or split the tablets.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to darolutamide or any ingredients of the medication.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- fatigue
- pain in the arms, legs
- rash
- weight gain
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- bone fractures
- increased blood pressure
- signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
- signs of heart problems (e.g., fast, irregular heartbeat or pulse, chest pain, sudden weight gain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- seizures
- signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Birth control: If this medication is used by a man whose partner is or may become pregnant, it may affect the unborn baby. A condom should be used while taking darolutamide and for 3 months after stopping the medication. Do not donate sperm while taking this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.
Bone health and fractures: Long-term use of anti-androgen medications such as darolutamide may cause reduced bone strength and may increase the risk of bone fractures. If you have osteoporosis or are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart problems: This medication may worsen symptoms of heart disease or cause heart attack. If you have heart disease such as angina, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swollen ankles.
Kidney function: Decreased kidney function or kidney disease can cause darolutamide to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lactose: This medication contains lactose. If you have hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, discuss this with your doctor before starting the medication.
Liver function: Decreased liver function or liver disease can cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking this medication.
Darolutamide can caused decreased liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Seizures: Rarely, darolutamide has been associated with seizures, which may occur at any point during treatment. The likelihood of experiencing seizures does not seem to be related to having a history of seizures, however, if you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition.
Pregnancy: This medication is not intended for people without a prostate. The safety and effectiveness of this medication has not been established for pregnant people.
Breast-feeding: This medication is not intended for people without a prostate. Therefore, it should not be used by breast-feeding people.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.
If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Nubeqa
