Patient Information on Nilutamide

Nilutamide is a medication prescribed to men. It is only available by prescription and it taken orally. It is used as part of a treatment plan to treat prostate cancer. It is also prescribed under the brand name Nilandron.

This medication is used to treat prostate cancer in combination with other medications or surgery. It is a class of medications called anti-androgens. This medication slows the spread and growth of prostate cancer by blocking testosterone's effects.

This medication is taken by mouth either around surgery time or once a day depending on the doctor's directions. Patients will start at a high dose for the first thirty days. If this medication causes stomach upset it can be taken with food, but patients can also take it without food. It must be taken at the same time every day and the dosage will depend on the patient's response and overall condition.

Certain medical conditions are contraindicated with patients taking this medication. These medical conditions include serious liver problems, mild liver problems, and serious breathing or lung problems.

There is the risk of common and serious side effects when taking nilutamide. The serious side effects should immediately be reported to a doctor. The common side effects include hot flashes, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, dizziness, sense of touch reduction, loss of sexual ability/drive, dry skin, vision changes, body hair loss, abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance signs, body aches, testicle shrinkage, constipation, sleeping problems, and nausea. The serious side effects include ankle/feet/leg swelling, chest pain, easy bleeding/bruising, fatigue, black/bloody stools, weakness, signs of infection, pale skin, shortness of breath at rest, bluish lips/skin/fingernails, and fast heartbeat when resting.

Certain drugs may adversely interact with this medication. These include illegal and legal over-the-counter steroids, and phenytoin, warfarin, and theophylline.

Though rare, this medication has lead to severe lung problems, that can be fatal, such as interstitial pneumonitis. Patients should avoid alcohol when taking this medication. Patients should avoid dangerous activities when taking this medication. Women should not take this medication, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding.

RxList (2009). Nilutamide. Retrieved on November 4, 2009 from Website: http://www.rxlist.com/nilandron-drug.htm