Download 690 enzalutamide - Velindre Cancer Centre

Enzalutamide 690
690
Information leaflet on enzalutamide
This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment
called enzalutamide. The leaflet will explain what this is and
when and how it will be given. It will also tell you about
common side effects that you may experience. Contact
telephone numbers are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is enzalutamide?
Enzalutamide is a new hormonal treatment which is given
as tablets. Testosterone can stimulate prostate cancer
growth. Hormonal treatments for prostate cancer work by
reducing testosterone levels.
Why am I having enzalutamide?
Your doctor has prescribed this therapy because it has been
found to be effective in some patients with prostate cancer.
Enzalutamide works in a different way to other hormone
treatments given for prostate cancer. It can be used when
other treatments have stopped working.
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How often will I see the specialist team?
You will be seen once a month. At these appointments you
will have blood tests and we will monitor your blood
pressure. We will check how you are feeling and discuss
any problems you may have. This is so we can check how
the treatment is affecting you.
How should I take the enzalutamide tablets?
Enzalutamide tablets should be taken once a day. Tablets
can be taken anytime up to 10pm, but try to take them at
approximately the same time every day. The tablets should
be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They must not
be chewed or crushed.
How many enzalutamide tablets will I need to take?
It is usual to take 4 tablets once daily but sometimes your
doctor may alter the dose. The amount you need to take
will be clearly marked on the box.
What should I do if I forget to take my tablets?
 If it’s within 4 hours of the normal time take them now.
 If it’s more than 4 hours late, miss this dose.
What if I take too many tablets?
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for
advice. The telephone number is on page 6, please ask for
the chemotherapy pager.
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How should I store the tablets?
Your tablets should be stored in their original packaging and
in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in
a cool dry place (below 25oC).
Any unused tablets should be returned to the hospital
pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal.
What are the possible side effects?
This treatment is usually well tolerated but there are some
possible side effects that you need to be aware of. The
doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or
answer any questions you may have.
Tiredness and fatigue
The treatment can make you feel more tired than usual. It is
important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but
carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some
people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as
taking rest.
High blood pressure
This treatment may cause a rise in blood pressure for some
patients. We will check your blood pressure before you start
treatment, and at each clinic visit. Please tell us if you are
already receiving treatment for high blood pressure. If you
have suffered from high blood pressure in the past but it is
well controlled, you will still be able to receive this treatment.
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Diarrhoea
You may have diarrhoea with this chemotherapy. If this
occurs it is important that you drink plenty of fluids.
Medication is available to control diarrhoea. If you have four
or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal
for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately.
The telephone number is on page 6.
Other side effects and information
A very small number of patients (less than 1%) can develop
fits while taking enzalutamide. It is important that you tell
your doctor if you have ever had a fit, or are currently
receiving treatment for fits. Also tell your doctor if you have
had a brain injury within the last 12 months, or if you have
ever had a brain tumour or a stroke. If you do experience a
fit you should stop taking your enzalutamide and telephone
Velindre Cancer Centre.
It is important you do not father a child whilst having this
treatment and for 4 months afterwards. This is because
enzalutamide may damage the unborn baby.
Some patients may experience headaches or joint aches
and pains whilst taking enzalutamide. This can be treated
with whatever painkillers you would usually take.
Some patients may also experience hot flushes.
If you have concerns please discuss them with your
specialist nurse, or at your next clinic visit.
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Is it alright to take other medicines?
If you are taking other medicines or please let your doctor,
nurse or pharmacist know about all the medicines you are
taking. This includes prescription and non prescription
medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements there are a small
number of medicines that you may have to avoid.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects
which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform
Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any sideeffects
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Contact telephone numbers
Urology Specialist Nurses
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
029 2061 5888 ext 6991
Velindre Cancer Centre
029 2061 5888
For urgent advice at any time of the day or night please ask
for the chemotherapy pager
Pharmacy department
029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your
medicines
Tenovus freephone
0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
7 days a week 8am – 8pm for general queries on cancer
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This leaflet was written by health professionals. The
information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It
has been approved by doctors, nurses and patients. It is
reviewed and updated annually.
Prepared December 2012
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