Compare Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Xtandi (enzalutamide) and nilutamide (Nilandron) are both oral medications used to treat metastatic prostate cancer, but they have some differences. Both medications are taken by mouth once a day, but nilutamide is typically only taken for a few weeks after starting a LHRH agonist. Common side effects while on Xtandi are weakness and back pain, while those taking nilutamide commonly experience hot flashes, difficulty with night vision, and nausea. Xtandi can increase the risk of seizures and heart problems, whereas nilutamide has the risk of serious liver and lung problems. While Xtandi is only available as a brand-name medication, nilutamide is available as a lower-cost generic option.
- Xtandi (enzalutamide)Nilutamide (Nilandron)
- Xtandi (enzalutamide)Nilutamide (Nilandron)
Summary of Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
Summary for Androgen receptor inhibitorPrescription onlyXtandi (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 inhibitorPrescription onlyNilutamide (Nilandron) is taken by mouth and 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. Nilutamide (Nilandron) is one of the recommended options for prostate cancer and is taken once a day. It can cause hot flashes and make it difficult for your eyes to adjust at night, which can be bothersome.
Indications of Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
Indications for•Metastatic prostate cancer that's hormone-sensitive•Non-metastatic prostate cancer that's hormone-sensitive, with a high risk of spreadingIndications for•Metastatic prostate cancerPros and Cons of Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
Pros and Const for Androgen receptor inhibitorPros•Pill that’s taken by mouth once a day•Can take with or without food•Recommended option for certain types of prostate cancerCons•Interacts with many medications•Can raise your risk for seizures and fractures•Requires regular blood tests and monitoringPros and Const for Androgen receptor inhibitorPros•Oral pill•Taken once daily•One of the recommended options for metastatic prostate cancer•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Can cause hot flashes, which can be unpleasant•Your eyes might start having problems adjusting to light•Can cause liver or breathing problemsCommon Side Effects of Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
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•HeadacheCommon Side Effects forSide effects experienced by people who took nilutamide (Nilandron) after surgical castration:
•Hot flashes (28%)•Difficulty of eyes adjusting to dark (13%)•Nausea (10%)•Pain or burning while urinating, needing to urinate more often, and other symptoms of a urinary tract infection (8%)Side effects experienced by people who took nilutamide (Nilandron) with leuprolide (a LHRH agonist):
•Hot flashes (67%)•Difficulty of eyes adjusting to dark (57%)•Nausea (24%)•Constipation (20%)•Weakness (20%)•Shrinking of testicles (16%)•Trouble sleeping (16%)•Headache (14%)Warnings of Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
Common Side Effects for•Seizures•Brain problem•Allergic reaction•Heart problems•Falls and fractures•Possible harm to unborn baby•Choking and trouble swallowingCommon Side Effects for•Rare, serious lung condition•Liver injuryPrices with our coupons for Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
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