Erlyand (Apalutamide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Erlyand Used For?
Erlyand contains apalutamide, an anticancer medicine that belongs to a group called androgen receptor inhibitors. It’s specifically designed to treat certain types of prostate cancer.
Primary Uses
Erlyand is used to treat patients with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and still responds to treatments that lower testosterone, and prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to medical or surgical treatments that lower testosterone.
How It Works
Erlyand works as an androgen receptor inhibitor, blocking the effects of male hormones that can fuel prostate cancer growth.
How to Take Erlyand
Take Erlyand exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 240 mg once daily, which can be taken as one 240 mg tablet or four 60 mg tablets. Swallow tablets whole with water – do not break or chew them. You may take with or without food. If you have trouble swallowing, tablets can be mixed with specific non-fizzy beverages or soft foods like orange juice, green tea, applesauce, or drinkable yogurt following detailed mixing instructions.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take your normal dose as soon as possible on the same day. Return to your normal schedule the following day.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- feeling very tired
- nausea
- skin rash
- weight loss
- hot flushes
- hypothyroidism
- high blood pressure
- decreased appetite
- water retention
- diarrhea
- joint pain
- fractures and falls
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- seizures
- falls and fractures due to bone and muscle weakness
- heart disease, stroke, or mini-stroke
- severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS)
- interstitial lung disease
- restless leg syndrome
Important Warnings
Before taking Erlyand, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Erlyand
Do not use Erlyand if you are allergic to apalutamide or any ingredients in the medication. This medication is not for use in women and should not be taken if you are pregnant or may be potentially pregnant.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal blood fats or cholesterol, or if you’ve ever developed severe skin reactions like DRESS syndrome or Stevens Johnson syndrome.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not father a child while taking Erlyand and for 3 months after stopping treatment. Use condoms and do not donate sperm during treatment and for 3 months after finishing. Erlyand may harm an unborn baby.
Drug Interactions
Erlyand can interact with several medications, potentially affecting how they work or increasing side effects.
- warfarin (blood thinner)
- omeprazole (heartburn medication)
- midazolam (sedative)
- rosuvastatin or gemfibrozil (cholesterol medications)
- fexofenadine (allergy medication)
- rifampin (antibiotic)
- antifungal medicines like itraconazole or ketoconazole
Alcohol & Driving
While there have been no specific studies on Erlyand’s effects on driving ability, certain precautions should be taken.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Erlyand is not anticipated to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, avoid activities where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm due to increased seizure risk.
Storage
Store Erlyand below 30°C in the original container. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Erlyand, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26, New Zealand: 0800 764 766), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify how long Erlyand takes to work. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments to assess how well the medication is working for your specific condition.
Yes, you may take Erlyand with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day for consistency.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets whole, they can be mixed with specific non-fizzy beverages or soft foods like orange juice, green tea, applesauce, or drinkable yogurt. Follow the detailed mixing instructions provided, and swallow the mixture immediately.
Do not change your dose or stop taking Erlyand unless your doctor tells you to. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before deciding to stop taking any of your medicines.
You must use reliable contraception (such as condoms) during treatment and for 3 months after finishing Erlyand because it may harm an unborn baby. Do not father a child or donate sperm during this period.
You should avoid activities where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to yourself or others, as Erlyand may increase your risk of having a seizure.
Store Erlyand below 30°C in the original container, in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and do not store in bathrooms or cars.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.