Enzalutamide/enzalutamide (Encotan) side effects and how to deal with them

Enzalutamide/Enzalutamide (Enzalutamide) is a drug commonly used to treat prostate cancer, especially castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). As an androgen receptor inhibitor, enzalutamide blocks the growth of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting the activity of androgen receptors. However, despite its effectiveness in treating prostate cancer, enzalutamide, like many drugs, can cause certain side effects. Understanding these side effects and how to manage them is critical for patients and health care providers.

Common side effects of enzalutamide include: fatigue, dizziness, joint pain, loss of appetite, hot flashes, headache, and occasionally seizures. Most notably, enzalutamide may affect the central nervous system, causing patients to feel drowsy, irritable, or have insomnia. This is because while enzalutamide inhibits androgen receptors, it may also interfere with the function of the nervous system, especially at high doses, and the risk of epileptic seizures is also obvious. Therefore, special caution is required when using enzalutamide in patients with a history of epilepsy or neurological disease.

In addition, the metabolic side effects of enzalutamide cannot be ignored. Some patients may experience weight gain, changes in appetite, and high blood pressure. Although these side effects are relatively mild, patients still need to monitor their blood pressure and weight regularly, especially those with a history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

For these side effects, the most common treatments include: First, when patients are using enzalutamide, it is recommended to conduct regular blood pressure monitoring and liver function tests to detect any adverse reactions early. Secondly, if symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue occur, patients are advised to avoid driving and operating dangerous machinery. If an epileptic seizure occurs, the medication must be stopped promptly and the doctor must be contacted to adjust the treatment plan according to the situation.

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