Pronunciation: nih LUTE ah mide

Brand: Nilandron

What is the most important information I should know about nilutamide?

You should not use nilutamide if you have severe liver disease or severe breathing problems.

Nilutamide can cause serious lung problems. Call your doctor at once if you have chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, fever, and new or worsening shortness of breath.

What is nilutamide?

Nilutamide is an antiandrogen. It works in the body to prevent the actions of androgens (male hormones).

Nilutamide is used to treat prostate cancer in men who have undergone surgical castration.

Nilutamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nilutamide?

You should not use nilutamide if you have severe liver disease or severe breathing problems.

To make sure nilutamide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease; or
  • asthma or another lung disease.

Nilutamide is not for use by women. It is not known whether nilutamide will harm an unborn baby.

How should I take nilutamide?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Treatment with nilutamide should be started on the day of or on the day after surgical castration.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Nilutamide can be taken with or without food or milk.

Try to take your dose of nilutamide at the same time every day.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking nilutamide?

Drinking alcohol during treatment with nilutamide may cause dizziness, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), or other unpleasant symptoms.

Nilutamide may cause a delay in your ability to see in the dark after you have been in a lighted area. Be careful when driving at night, when entering a tunnel, and in similar situations. Wearing tinted glasses may help lessen this effect.

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

What are the possible side effects of nilutamide?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, fever;
  • new or worsening shortness of breath;
  • flu symptoms, pale skin, feeling tired; or
  • liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

  • hot flashes;
  • dizziness;
  • constipation;
  • nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite;
  • skin rash;
  • decreased libido, impotence; or
  • vision changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect nilutamide?

Other drugs may interact with nilutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about nilutamide.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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