WHAT IS THIS MEDICINE AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Apalunix contains apalutamide, a medicine that blocks male
hormones (androgens like testosterone) from fuelling the growth of prostate
cancer cells. It belongs to a class of cancer medicines called androgen
receptor inhibitors. It is used in adult men with prostate cancer —
specifically when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic)
and still responds to hormone therapy, or when the cancer has not spread but
has stopped responding to hormone therapy.
3. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE
The usual dose is 240 mg once a day — that is four 60 mg
tablets taken together at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow
the tablets whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew them. Most patients
also receive a hormone injection (GnRH analogue) alongside apalutamide, unless
they have already had surgery to remove the testicles.
|
💡 PATIENT TIP: Your
doctor may lower your dose to 180 mg or 120 mg if you experience certain side
effects. Do not adjust the dose yourself. No dose change is usually needed
for mild or moderate kidney or liver problems. For severe liver problems,
your doctor will advise you. |
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
|
How Common? |
Side Effects to Know About |
|
Common (>1 in 10) |
Tiredness (30%), skin rash (26%), high blood
pressure (25%), hot flushes (23%), diarrhoea (20%), joint pain, weight loss,
reduced appetite, nausea |
|
Less Common |
Underactive thyroid, swelling of hands or
feet, dizziness, falls, bone fractures, mood changes |
|
Seek Medical Help |
Seizures (fits) — stop taking and call your
doctor immediately. Signs of a stroke or heart attack (sudden numbness, chest
pain, slurred speech). Severe skin reactions. Birth defects if a partner
becomes pregnant. |
5. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE
Not for use in women or children. Not for anyone with a
known allergy to apalutamide or its ingredients. History of seizures must be
declared to your doctor before starting.
|
⚠ IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: SEIZURES: Stop
taking and contact your doctor immediately if you have a fit or seizure.
CONTRACEPTION: Male patients with female partners who could become pregnant
must use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the
last dose — apalutamide can cause birth defects. THYROID: Your doctor may
check your thyroid hormone levels during treatment. BONE HEALTH: Your doctor
may check your bone density and risk of falls. |
6. MEDICINES THAT INTERACT WITH THIS TREATMENT
Apalutamide is a powerful drug that affects how your body
processes many other medicines. It significantly reduces the effectiveness of:
certain cholesterol medicines (statins), blood thinners (warfarin), epilepsy
medicines (phenytoin), hormonal contraceptives, and some HIV medicines. Always
tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine you take — including
herbal products and supplements.
7. HOW TO STORE THIS MEDICINE
Store at room temperature (15°C–30°C). Keep in the original
pack with the desiccant (moisture-absorbing packet). Protect from heat,
moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
8. PRESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
|
Status |
Prescription Only Medicine (POM) |
9. GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS & CAREGIVERS
Take your four tablets at the same time each day. If you
forget a dose on the same day, take it as soon as you remember. If it's the
next day, skip the missed dose — do not double up. Keep all blood test and scan
appointments. Tell your oncologist immediately if you have a seizure, develop a
new rash, have chest pain, or notice changes in your vision or speech. If your
female partner is or could become pregnant, use a condom plus another method of
contraception during treatment and for 3 months after your final dose. Do not
donate sperm during this time.
10. PHARMACIST & PRESCRIBER NOTES
|
Clinical Dispensing Notes |
Dispense intact pack with full medication
guide. Assess for CYP3A4 substrate interactions before dispensing —
particularly statins, anticoagulants, antiepileptics, and hormonal agents.
Counsel on embryo-fetal toxicity and dual contraception requirements. Thyroid
and bone density monitoring should be arranged by the treating oncologist.
High-risk oncology medicine — requires specialist prescription. |
11. FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Q: What is apalutamide (Apalunix) used for?
A: Apalunix (apalutamide) is used to treat prostate cancer
in adult men. It is prescribed when prostate cancer has spread to other parts
of the body (called metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer) or when it
has stopped responding to hormone therapy but has not yet spread
(non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer).
Q: How many apalutamide tablets do I take a day?
A: You take four 60 mg tablets (240 mg total) once a day.
You can take them with or without food. Try to take them at the same time every
day.
Q: What are the most common side effects of apalutamide?
A: The most commonly reported side effects include
tiredness, skin rash, hot flushes, high blood pressure, and diarrhoea. Most
side effects can be managed — talk to your cancer care team if they are
bothering you, as dose adjustments are possible.
Q: Can apalutamide cause seizures?
A: Yes — seizures have been reported in a small number of
patients (about 0.2–0.4%). If you have ever had a seizure or epilepsy, tell
your doctor before starting apalutamide. Stop taking the medicine and contact
your doctor immediately if you experience a seizure.
Q: Do I need to use contraception while taking apalutamide?
A: Yes. Apalutamide can cause birth defects if your female
partner becomes pregnant. Male patients must use a condom plus an additional
form of contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Do
not donate sperm during this period.