Nubeqa is an oral medicine used in the treatment of prostate cancer. The active ingredient in Nubeqa is darolutamide, a non-steroidal androgen receptor inhibitor. Nubeqa is a prescription medicine and should only be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. In this article, we will discuss the uses, benefits, side effects, and warnings of Nubeqa.
Uses
Nubeqa is used in the treatment of prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body (non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer or nmCRPC). It is prescribed to adult men only who have undergone medical or surgical castration (removal of the testicles or administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists) and whose PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels have risen despite hormone therapy.
Benefits
Nubeqa slows the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells by blocking the effects of androgens (male hormones) on the cancer cells. Clinical studies have shown that Nubeqa significantly improves progression-free survival (the length of time a patient lives without the disease getting worse) in men with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, when given with standard hormone therapy.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Nubeqa can cause side effects. These side effects are generally mild to moderate in nature and usually go away after treatment is finished. Common side effects of Nubeqa include:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Hot flushes
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Rash
Some less common side effects of Nubeqa include:
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Changes in liver function
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Pain in the arms or legs
If you experience any of these side effects, or any other side effects that are bothersome or persistent, contact your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Before taking Nubeqa, tell your doctor if you:
- Are allergic to darolutamide or any of the other ingredients in Nubeqa
- Have liver problems
- Have a history of seizures or epilepsy
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
Nubeqa may cause harm to an unborn baby. You should not take Nubeqa if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Nubeqa and for 1 week after the last dose. It is not known if Nubeqa passes into breast milk, so do not breastfeed while taking Nubeqa and for 1 week after the last dose.
FAQs
Nubeqa is taken orally, as a tablet, with or without food. The usual dose is 600 mg (2 tablets of 300 mg) twice a day, at the same time each day.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it on the same day. If you miss a dose but remember it on the following day, take your regular dose at the usual time.
It is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking Nubeqa, as alcohol may increase the risk of side effects.
You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, before starting Nubeqa.
Nubeqa may make you feel tired, dizzy, or weak. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.
