Nilutamide

Generic name: nilutamide [ nih-LUTE-ah-mide ]
Brand name: Nilandron
Dosage form: oral tablet (150 mg)
Drug classes: Antiandrogens, Hormones / antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is nilutamide?

Nilutamide is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Nilutamide is for use in men who have undergone surgical castration.

Nilutamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Nilutamide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Nilutamide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, fever;

• new or worsening shortness of breath;

• flu symptoms, pale skin, feeling tired; or

• liver problems--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, right-sided upper stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of nilutamide may include:

• hot flashes;

• dizziness;

• constipation;

• nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite;

• skin rash;

• decreased libido, impotence; or

• vision changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Erleada, estradiol, Premarin, Xtandi, Zytiga, Casodex, Lynparza

Warnings

You should not use nilutamide if you have severe liver disease or severe breathing problems.

Nilutamide can cause serious lung problems. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, fever, and new or worsening shortness of breath.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use nilutamide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe liver disease; or

• severe breathing problems.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease; or

• asthma or another lung disease.

Nilutamide is not for use in women, and the effects of nilutamide during pregnancy or in breastfeeding women are unknown.

How should I take nilutamide?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Treatment with nilutamide should be started on the day of or on the day after surgical castration.

You may take nilutamide with or without food.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Nilutamide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

-Initial dose: 300 mg orally once a day for first 30 days

-Maintenance dose: 150 mg orally once a day after first 30 days

-Comments: For maximum benefit, treatment should begin on the same day or the day after surgical castration.

Use: Treatment of metastatic prostate cancer (Stage D2) in combination with surgical castration.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking nilutamide?

Nilutamide may cause a delay in your ability to see in the dark after you have been in a lighted area. Be careful when driving at night, when entering a tunnel, and in similar situations. Wearing tinted glasses may help lessen this effect.

Drinking alcohol with nilutamide may cause dizziness, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), or other unpleasant symptoms.

What other drugs will affect nilutamide?

Other drugs may affect nilutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.02.