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Erleada drug with active ingredient Apalutamide is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Erleada is available in the form of a film-coated tablet with a content of Apalutamide 60 mg.
1. What is Erleada?
Most prostate cancer patients need the male hormone testosterone to grow, whereas testosterone is an androgen (a hormone) produced by the testes and adrenal glands. Anti-androgen therapies work by blocking an enzyme necessary for the production of testosterone and that includes the active ingredient in Erleada. Erleada will cause cancer cells to grow more slowly or stop growing completely due to a lack of Testosterone.
2. How to take Erleada
Erleada drug is in the form of tablets, patients need to take 1 time per day. When taking the drug, the patient needs to swallow the tablet whole, it can be taken before or after a meal. If the patient has difficulty swallowing Erleada tablets, the patient can dissolve the drug with water to drink. If the patient has not had a bilateral orchiectomy, Erleada should be taken with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog such as Leuprolide (Lupron®), Goserelin (Zoladex®), or Triptorelin (Trelstar®).
It is important to ensure that the patient is taking the correct amount of Erleada as directed. Before each dose, the patient should check that the dose of the drug he is about to use is correct with what has been prescribed.
Erleada blood levels can be affected by a number of foods and drugs that should be avoided, including Clopidogrel, Gemfibrozil, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole, Posaconazole, Rifampin, Clarithromycin, Midazolam, Omeprazole, Warfarin, Fexofenadine, Phenytoin, Tacrolimus and Rosuvastatin.
3. How to store Erleada
Store your Erleada medicine in its original, labeled packaging at room temperature and in a dry place (unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist). Erleada is not suitable for storage in an airtight container and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
If the patient is being prepared by a caregiver, they should consider wearing gloves or pouring medication directly from the container into a small cup or directly into the patient's hand. It is important to avoid direct contact with the Erleada tablet and to ensure good hand hygiene before and after administering the medication to the patient.
4. Erleada side effects
Patients can control the side effects of Erleada by a number of measures as recommended by the treating doctor.
Some of the most common or important side effects of Erleada:
4.1. Fatigue Fatigue is extremely common during cancer treatment. This feeling of exhaustion usually doesn't go away with rest. During treatment with Erleada and for some time thereafter, patients may need to adjust their activity schedule to manage this fatigue, prioritizing planning for rest during the day. and save energy for more important activities. Exercise can help combat fatigue, as simple as a daily walk with a loved one can be effective. Talk to your doctor for helpful tips on how to deal with this side effect.
4.2. Rash Some patients may experience a rash, scaly skin or red bumps during treatment with Erleada. Patients should use a moisturizer (alcohol-free) to protect their skin and lips, and avoid fragrance-based moisturizers. Your doctor may recommend a topical medication if the itching is bothersome. If the patient's skin is cracked or bleeding, be sure to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Also, be sure to notify your doctor of any new skin rash that appears, as it could also be a manifestation of an allergic reaction. Doctors can give patients more advice on taking care of their own skin.
4.3. High blood pressure Erleada may cause high blood pressure. Patients should have their blood pressure checked regularly during treatment with this product. It should be noted that any hypertensive condition requires appropriate treatment. If hypertension is not controlled, the patient may discontinue Erleada. Patients should report symptoms such as headache, vision changes or dizziness...
4.4. Anemia, a decrease in the number of red blood cells Red blood cells play a role in transporting oxygen to the organs in the body. When the red blood cell count is low, the patient may feel tired, short of breath, or have chest pain. If the count is too low, the patient may need a blood transfusion.
4.5. Reduce white blood cell count White blood cells are important components that help the body fight infections. While being treated with Erleada, the patient's white blood cell count may drop to low levels, which in turn increases the risk of infection, the doctor should be informed immediately if the patient has a high fever (high temperature). temperature higher than 38°C), sore throat or cold, shortness of breath, cough, burning when urinating...
4.6. High Cholesterol Levels Erleada may cause high cholesterol levels that should be monitored with blood tests, with no symptoms of high cholesterol levels. However, if not treated properly, this condition can lead to heart attack and stroke.
4.7. High blood sugar Erleada may increase blood sugar in patients with and without diabetes. If the patient has increased thirst, increased frequency of urination or hunger, blurred vision, headache or fruity breath, immediately notify the treating physician. Diabetics should closely monitor their blood sugar regularly.
4.8. High blood potassium levels Erleada may cause blood potassium levels to be higher than normal (hyperkalemia), a blood test may be performed to monitor this condition. There are usually no symptoms of hyperkalemia, but very high levels can cause heart palpitations, muscle pain, weakness, and numbness.
4.9. Less common side effects of Erleada Erleada medicine may increase your risk of falls and fractures. Seizures: Although rare, Erleada can cause seizures. Heart and brain problems: Erleada can cause bleeding in the brain or blockage of an artery in the heart. If a patient has chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness or weakness on one side of the body or part of the body, difficulty speaking or seeing, dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty walking... a doctor should be called immediately. ie. 4.10. Effects on sexual and reproductive function Erleada may affect the user's reproductive system, leading to a reduction or cessation of sperm production. Sex drive may decrease during treatment with Erleada. Erleada users may want to consider using a sperm bank if they want to have children in the future. However, Erleada users should not donate sperm during treatment or for 3 months after the last dose of Erleada. Using condoms is essential during Erleada treatment and for at least 3 months after treatment, even if the user believes he or she is not producing sperm.
Erleada drug with active ingredient Apalutamide is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Erleada is available in the form of a film-coated tablet with a content of Apalutamide 60 mg.
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Reference source: oncolink.org
