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 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 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•Advanced or metastatic prostate cancerIndications for•Metastatic prostate cancerPros and Cons of Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
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•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•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 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•Swelling and narrowing of the blood vessels in your brain•Heart problems•Falls and fractures•Possible harm to unborn babyCommon Side Effects for•Rare, serious lung condition•Liver injuryPrices with our coupons for Xtandi vs. Nilutamide
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