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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 Androgen receptor inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Xtandi (enzalutamide) is a prescription cancer medication used to treat certain types of prostate cancer in adults. It works by blocking testosterone, a hormone that many prostate cancers need to grow. You usually take a tablet or capsule once a day by mouth, often along with other hormone treatments or after surgery to remove the testicles. Common side effects include weakness or fatigue, back pain, and hot flashes.

    Summary for Androgen receptor inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Flutamide (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
    •Prostate cancer that's castration-resistant
    •Metastatic prostate cancer that's hormone-sensitive
    •Non-metastatic prostate cancer that's hormone-sensitive, with a high risk of spreading
    Indications for
    •Metastatic prostate cancer

  • Pros and Cons of Xtandi vs. Flutamide

    Pros and Const for Androgen receptor inhibitor
    Pros
    •Pill that’s taken by mouth once a day
    •Can take with or without food
    •Recommended option for certain types of prostate cancer
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Can raise your risk for seizures and fractures
    •Requires regular blood tests and monitoring
    Pros and Const for Androgen receptor inhibitor
    Pros
    •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 medication
    Cons
    •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
    •Muscle and joint pain
    •Feeling more tired than usual
    •Hot flashes
    •Constipation
    •Reduced appetite
    •Diarrhea
    •High blood pressure
    •Bleeding problems
    •Falls
    •Bone fractures
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for

    Please 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
    •Brain problem
    •Allergic reaction
    •Heart problems
    •Falls and fractures
    •Possible harm to unborn baby
    •Choking and trouble swallowing
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe liver damage
    •Bleeding with warfarin (Coumadin)
    •Possibly toxicity

  • Prices with our coupons for Xtandi vs. Flutamide

    Learn more about Xtandi
    Learn more about Flutamide

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