Nilutamide (Anandron) Drug for Cancer: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Nilutamide
(Anandron, Canada and United States)

Use:

Nilutamide or Anandron is used for metastatic prostate cancer.

How It Works:

Nilutamide or Anandron is an anti androgen meaning that it blocks the effects of androgens or male hormones like testosterone. With one dose usually taken before breakfast this blocking effect can last for 24 hours.
Because prostate cancer can depend upon male hormones, by blocking these hormones, the drug fights prostate cancer. It is reserved for metastatic prostate cancer, that is prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, because of its side effects.

Side Effects:

Nilutamide or Anandron has potential side effects that can be serious. Visual disturbances can occur. The most notable is increased visual adaption time when moving from a well lit area to a more dimly lit area - you can't see. This effect may be temporary and wearing tinted glasses can help.
Respiratory side effects can occur - interstitial lung disease. Indigestion is a sign of this condition.
Liver side effects and even dysfunction can occur. Symptoms of liver problems include tenderness in the right upper quadrant (above the navel and to the right), dark urine, persistent lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and itching.
Because Nilutamide or Anandron blocks male hormones, hot flushes can occur.

Cautions for People:

People who take Nilutamide or Anandron should have healthy lungs and livers. Women and children should not use Nilutamide or Anandron.

Drug Interactions:

Because Nilutamide or Anandron affects the liver, it also interacts with drugs that are metabolized in the liver. It is able to reduce the liver's function leaving higher levels of these drugs in the body - anticoagulants or blood thinners, phenytoin, propranolol, chlordiazepoxide, lidocaine, diazepam, theophylline.
Nilutamide or Anandron interacts with alcohol to produce something known as a disulfiram reaction - nausea, vomiting.

Further Reading:

J Urol 1993;149:77
Br J Ophthalmol 1987;71:639

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.