Enzalutamide — what it does and when it's used

Enzalutamide (brand name Xtandi) is a prescription medicine used mainly for prostate cancer that no longer responds to lowering testosterone. It blocks androgen receptors, which slows cancer growth. Many men take it to live longer and to reduce symptoms from metastatic or castration-resistant prostate cancer.

How enzalutamide works and how it’s taken

Enzalutamide stops male hormones from telling cancer cells to grow. The usual adult dose is 160 mg once daily (four 40 mg capsules). You can take it with or without food. Stick to the same time each day to avoid missed doses. If you miss one, don’t double up; check with your care team for the right step.

It’s metabolized by the liver, mainly through CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 pathways. That matters because other drugs can raise or lower enzalutamide levels, or be affected by enzalutamide itself.

Common side effects and safety checks

Expect fatigue, hot flashes, headache, weakness, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. Some people report changes in mood, memory, or balance. A serious but less common risk is seizure — tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, brain injury, or take drugs that lower seizure threshold.

Monitor blood pressure, liver tests, and any new neurologic symptoms. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel dizzy, unusually sleepy, or confused. If you notice falls, fainting, or severe headaches, contact your care team right away.

Because enzalutamide affects liver enzymes, it can reduce the effectiveness of many drugs. That includes certain blood thinners, some antidepressants, hormonal therapies, and medicines for heart rhythm or HIV. Also, strong inhibitors of CYP2C8 (for example, gemfibrozil) can raise enzalutamide levels. Always give your doctor a full list of medicines, supplements, and herbal products.

Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should avoid contact with crushed or broken tablets because of potential risk to a fetus. Enzalutamide is prescribed to men, but handling instructions are still important.

If you’re starting enzalutamide, plan regular check-ins. Your oncologist will want to track blood pressure, liver function, and how you’re tolerating the drug. Ask about vaccination status, fall prevention, and strategies to manage fatigue.

Thinking about buying enzalutamide online? This drug needs a valid prescription and close medical supervision. Avoid unknown pharmacies or offers that seem too cheap. Check pharmacy credentials, require a proper prescription, and confirm shipping rules for controlled or specialty oncology drugs.

Good questions to ask your doctor: Why is enzalutamide right for me? What side effects should I expect first month? Which of my other medicines might interact? How will we monitor response and safety? Clear answers make treatment safer and less stressful.

Enzalutamide can be powerful against advanced prostate cancer, but it needs respect — from careful monitoring to honest talk about symptoms and other medicines. Stay connected with your care team and report anything unusual right away.