Type of medicine: antiandrogen; antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: nilutamide, oral; Nilandron
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat prostate cancer. It is used along with surgical removal of the testes.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Treatment with this medicine must start on the same day as, or on the day after, surgery.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water.
This medicine needs to be taken on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness.
This medicine may cause serious lung problems. Contact your provider right away if you have trouble breathing, cough, chest pain, and fever.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Be careful while driving at night or going through tunnels. Ask your healthcare provider about using tinted glasses (night glasses) to help lessen this problem.
Alcohol may cause dizziness, facial flushing, or low blood pressure when taking this medicine. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Shortness of breath; cough; chest pain; severe irritation of your lungs; fever; yellowing of eyes or skin; dark urine; black or tarry stools; numbness or tingling in hands or feet; unexplained swelling; unusual tiredness; stomach pain; vomiting.
Other: Headache, back pain, nausea, constipation, drowsiness, hot flashes, dizziness, trouble sleeping, sweating, loss of appetite, changes in vision.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
