Brand name:

Nilandron

Why is Nilandron prescribed?

Nilandron is used for advanced prostate cancer--cancer that has begun to spread beyond the prostate gland. An "antiandrogen" drug, it blocks the effects of the male hormone testosterone, which is known to encourage prostate cancer. The drug is part of a treatment program that begins with removal of the testes, a major--but not the only--source of testosterone.

Most important fact about Nilandron

Nilandron treatment must begin on the same day as, or on the day after, surgical removal of the testes. You should not interrupt the doses or stop taking Nilandron without consulting your doctor.

How should you take Nilandron?

Take Nilandron exactly as prescribed. You may take Nilandron with or without food.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature away from light.

Nilandron side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Nilandron.

• Side effects may include:
  Abnormal vision, alcohol intolerance, constipation, decreased sex drive, difficulty breathing, dizziness, heart failure, hot flashes, impotence, increase in blood pressure, lung problems, nausea, poor adaptation to the dark, tingling feeling, urinary tract infection

Why should Nilandron not be prescribed?

Do not take Nilandron if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to any of its ingredients. If you have severe liver disease or severe breathing problems, you should not take Nilandron. Make sure your doctor is aware of these conditions.

Special warnings about Nilandron

Nilandron occasionally causes inflammation of the lungs; and if a problem does develop, you may have to stop taking the drug. Report any symptoms that might suggest a lung problem to your doctor right away. Warning signs include difficulty breathing upon exertion or worsening of a pre-existing problem, cough, chest pain, and fever. This lung condition almost always goes away when Nilandron treatment is stopped.

Nilandron may also cause liver damage in some people. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your liver function before you start treatment at regular intervals for the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter. If a liver problem does develop, you may have to stop taking Nilandron. Report any symptoms of liver damage to your doctor immediately. Warning signs include dark urine, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, tenderness in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.

While taking Nilandron, you may also find that your eyes are slow to adapt to the dark when you leave a lighted area. Be careful when driving at night or through tunnels. Tinted glasses will help this problem.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Nilandron

Nilandron can cause a reaction to alcohol. If you develop a facial flush, flu-like symptoms, and a decrease in blood pressure after drinking alcohol, you'll need to give up alcoholic beverages while taking Nilandron.

If Nilandron is taken with certain drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nilandron with the following:

Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Vitamin K antagonists (Coumadin)

If you are already taking Coumadin, you will need to be monitored especially closely after treatment with Nilandron begins. Your doctor may need to lower your dosage of Coumadin.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Nilandron is for use only by men.

Recommended dosage for Nilandron

The recommended adult dosage is 300 milligrams once a day for 30 days. The dosage is then reduced to 150 milligrams once a day.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Nilandron overdose may include:
  Dizziness, general discomfort, headache, nausea, vomiting