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Nubeqa
Used for Prostate Cancer
Used for Prostate Cancer
Nubeqa (darolutamide) is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of prostate cancer in adults. You usually take it along with other hormone treatments, with chemotherapy, or after surgery to remove the testicles. As an androgen receptor inhibitor, it blocks testosterone from helping prostate cancer grow. You take the tablet by mouth twice a day with food. Common side effects include low white blood cell count, tiredness, and rash.
What is Nubeqa (darolutamide)?
What is Nubeqa (darolutamide) used for?
- Non-metastatic prostate cancer that's castration-resistant
- Metastatic prostate cancer that's hormone-sensitive, taken alone
- Metastatic prostate cancer that's hormone-sensitive, used together with a chemotherapy medication called docetaxel
How Nubeqa (darolutamide) works
Nubeqa (darolutamide) is an androgen receptor inhibitor. It works by blocking testosterone in prostate cancer cells. Since testosterone helps prostate cancer grow, this medication reduces its effects to slow or stop the cancer from growing or spreading.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Nubeqa |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Androgen receptor inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Nubeqa (darolutamide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Non-metastatic prostate cancer:
- Rise in liver enzymes (up to 23%)
- Lower white blood cell count (20%)
- Tiredness (16%)
Metastatic prostate cancer (when taken alone):
- Rise in liver enzymes (up to 32%)
- Lower white blood cell count (16%)
Metastatic prostate cancer (when taken with docetaxel):
- Lower red blood cell count (72%)
- Higher blood sugar levels (57%)
- Lower white blood cell count (up to 52%)
- Rise in liver enzymes (up to 40%)
- Low calcium levels (31%)
- Constipation (23%)
- Rash (20%)
Less Common Side Effects
Non-metastatic prostate cancer:
- Rash
- Pain in the arms or legs
Metastatic prostate cancer (when taken alone):
- Urinary tract infection
Metastatic prostate cancer (when taken with docetaxel):
- Reduced appetite
- Bleeding
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
Nubeqa (darolutamide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart problems: chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath
- Seizures: sudden jerking or shaking, loss of consciousness, confusion, trouble speaking
The following Nubeqa (darolutamide) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Nubeqa (darolutamide)
Pros
- Available as a pill you take by mouth
- Recommended option for certain types of prostate cancer
- Might cause fewer brain-related side effects than similar medications
Cons
- Need to take it twice a day
- Must take your dose with food
- Can interact with many medications and products
Pharmacist tips for Nubeqa (darolutamide)
- Take two tablets of Nubeqa (darolutamide) twice a day with food so your body can absorb the medication properly. Swallow each tablet whole. Don’t cut, crush, or chew them.
- If you miss a dose of Nubeqa (darolutamide), take it as soon as you remember before your next scheduled dose. Don’t take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
- You’ll usually take Nubeqa (darolutamide) with other hormone treatments or chemotherapy, unless you’ve had surgery to remove both testicles. Don’t stop these treatments unless your oncologist tells you to.
- Nubeqa (darolutamide) can increase your risk of heart problems. Call your care team right away if you have chest pain, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
- Nubeqa (darolutamide) can increase your risk of seizures. Avoid activities where sudden loss of consciousness could be dangerous. Call your care team right away if you have a seizure or faint.
- If your partner can become pregnant, use birth control such as condoms while taking Nubeqa (darolutamide) and for 1 week after your last dose. This medication might not be safe in pregnancy.
Risks and warnings for Nubeqa (darolutamide)
Nubeqa (darolutamide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Heart problems
- Risk factors: High blood pressure | Diabetes | High cholesterol
Rarely, Nubeqa (darolutamide) can cause blocked arteries in the heart called ischemic heart disease. If this happens and your symptoms are severe, you’ll need to stop taking this medication. Call your oncologist right away if you have chest pain, chest discomfort during rest or activity, or shortness of breath, since these might be signs of heart problems.
Seizure
Though rare, Nubeqa (darolutamide) can raise your risk of seizures. In studies, seizures were reported as early as 1 month after starting treatment and as late as several years later. Tell your oncologist right away if you think you've had a seizure. Early warning signs can include unusual smells or tastes, nausea, anxiety, or a fluttering feeling. Because losing consciousness can be dangerous, avoid activities where a sudden seizure could put you or others at risk. If you do have a seizure, you might need to stop taking this medication altogether and switch to something else.
Harm to unborn baby
It’s possible for Nubeqa (darolutamide) to harm an unborn baby. If your partner can get pregnant, use birth control such as condoms while taking this medication and for 1 week after your last dose. Let your oncologist know right away if your partner becomes pregnant during this time.
Nubeqa (darolutamide) dosage
Typical dosage for Nubeqa (darolutamide)
The typical dose is 600 mg taken by mouth twice a day with food.
Your dose might be different if you experience serious side effects or have kidney or liver problems.
What are alternatives to Nubeqa (darolutamide)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Nubeqa (darolutamide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Nubeqa (darolutamide)
What Is Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer, and How Do You Treat It?
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) refers to prostate cancer that continues to grow and spread, despite its limited access to testosterone. Learn more on how CRPC is treated, which medications are often used, and how effective treatment is.
Can I Drink Alcohol If I’m Taking Prostate Cancer Medications Like Casodex?
You’re taking bicalutamide (Casodex) or another prostate cancer medication like it, so what are the side effects of having a drink of alcohol and taking one of these medications? Drinking wine or beer while taking these medications can be dangerous and lead to potentially harmful side effects. Learn more from GoodRx about the mixture of alcohol and these cancer medications.
