Compare Xtandi vs. Flutamide
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Xtandi (enzalutamide) and Eulexin (flutamide) are both oral medications used to treat metastatic prostate cancer, but they have some key differences. Xtandi is taken once a day, while Eulexin is taken three times a day. Both medications require combination therapy with other hormonal treatments, however, Eulexin usually only needs to be taken for a few weeks after starting a LHRH agonist. Common side effects while on Xtandi are weakness and back pain, while people taking Eulexin commonly experience hot flashes and loss of sex drive. Additionally, Xtandi can cause serious side effects like seizures and heart problems, whereas Eulexin can lead to severe liver damage and increased bleeding risk if taken with warfarin. Xtandi is a newer medication and is only available as a brand, making it more expensive, while Eulexin is available as a lower-cost generic.
- Xtandi (enzalutamide)Flutamide (Eulexin)
- Xtandi (enzalutamide)Flutamide (Eulexin)
Summary of Xtandi vs. Flutamide
Summary for AnticancerPrescription onlyXtandi (enzalutamide) is an oral medication used to treat certain types of prostate cancer. It’s a form of hormonal therapy called an antiandrogen that works to block testosterone in your body. Xtandi (enzalutamide) is one of the recommended options for prostate cancer and is taken once a day. But it should be used in combination with another hormonal medication that targets gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), unless you’ve had surgery to remove both testicles (bilateral orchiectomy).
Summary for Androgen receptor inhibitorPrescription onlyFlutamide (Eulexin) is used to treat metastatic prostate cancer, meaning cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It’s a form of hormonal therapy called an androgen receptor inhibitor or antiandrogen, that works to block testosterone in your body. Flutamide (Eulexin) is one of the recommended options for prostate cancer and is taken by mouth three times a day. It can cause hot flashes and lower your sex drive, which can be bothersome.
Indications of Xtandi vs. Flutamide
Indications for•Advanced or metastatic prostate cancerIndications for•Metastatic prostate cancerPros and Cons of Xtandi vs. Flutamide
Pros and Const for AnticancerPros•Oral pill, taken once daily•Recommended option for certain types of prostate cancer•Can treat prostate cancer that is no longer responding to other hormonal therapiesCons•Available as brand only, so can be expensive•Can interact with other medications•Can raise your risk for seizuresPros and Const for Androgen receptor inhibitorPros•Taken orally, so it’s not a medication you have to inject•One of the recommended options for metastatic prostate cancer•Usually only needs to be taken for a few weeks after starting a LHRH agonist•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Taken 3 times a day•Can cause hot flashes, which can be unpleasant•Can cause liver problems•Can raise your risk for bleeds if you're taking a blood thinner called warfarin (Coumadin)Common Side Effects of Xtandi vs. Flutamide
Common Side Effects for•Weakness or fatigue (up to 51%)•Back pain (up to 29%)•Hot flashes (up to 27%)•Constipation (up to 23%)•Diarrhea (up to 22%)•Joint pain (up to 21%)•Feeling less hungry (up to 19%)•High blood pressure (up to 14%)Common Side Effects forPlease note: These side effects were experienced by people taking flutamide (Eulexin) with a LHRH agonist, and might not be caused by flutamide (Eulexin) alone.
•Hot flashes (61%)•Loss of sex drive (36%)•Erectile dysfunction (33%)•Diarrhea (12%)•Nausea and vomiting (11%)•Development of breasts (9%)Warnings of Xtandi vs. Flutamide
Common Side Effects for•Seizures•Swelling and narrowing of the blood vessels in your brain•Heart problems•Falls and fractures•Possible harm to unborn babyCommon Side Effects for•Severe liver damage•Bleeding with warfarin (Coumadin)•Possibly toxicityPrices with our coupons for Xtandi vs. Flutamide
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