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What Is Apalutamide?

Apalutamide is a prescription androgen receptor inhibitor used for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. It is sold as Erleada in the United States. The medicine comes as 60 mg and 240 mg tablets. Patients also receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog during treatment unless they previously underwent bilateral orchiectomy.

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What Is Apalutamide?

Apalutamide is a prescription androgen receptor inhibitor used for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. It is sold as Erleada in the United States. The medicine comes as 60 mg and 240 mg tablets. Patients also receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog during treatment unless they previously underwent bilateral orchiectomy.

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How Does Apalutamide Block Androgen Receptor Signaling?

Apalutamide binds to the androgen receptor and blocks receptor movement into the cell nucleus, DNA binding, and androgen receptor-mediated transcription. These actions reduce signaling that prostate cancer cells use for growth and survival. Its active metabolite, N-desmethyl apalutamide, has lower androgen receptor activity but contributes to overall drug exposure.

Which Prostate Cancers Are Treated With Apalutamide?

Apalutamide is approved for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer and nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Patients receive ongoing androgen-deprivation therapy with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog unless they have had bilateral orchiectomy. Treatment selection depends on disease stage, prior therapy, other medical conditions, and the prescribed cancer regimen.

How Are Apalutamide Tablets Taken?

The recommended dose is 240 mg by mouth once daily, with or without food. Tablets are swallowed whole and should not be crushed or split. Patients with severe liver impairment receive 120 mg once daily under current labeling. Dose interruption or reduction can be used for severe or intolerable adverse reactions.

Which Safety Problems Need Attention With Apalutamide?

Serious risks include cerebrovascular and ischemic cardiovascular events, fractures, falls, seizures, severe skin reactions, interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis, and fetal harm. Apalutamide can also interfere with certain digoxin blood tests and interact with numerous medicines by lowering their concentrations. A confirmed seizure during treatment requires permanent discontinuation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apalutamide

Is apalutamide used with hormone therapy?

Yes. Patients receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog during treatment unless they previously underwent bilateral orchiectomy.

Can apalutamide cause seizures?

Seizures have occurred during apalutamide treatment. Current labeling calls for permanent discontinuation if a seizure occurs.

Can apalutamide be taken with food?

Yes. Apalutamide tablets are taken once daily with or without food.

What dose is used with severe liver impairment?

Current labeling recommends 120 mg once daily for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

References

Apalutamide. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618018.html. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

Apalutamide. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/apalutamide. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

DailyMed - ERLEADA (apalutamide) tablet, film coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d1cda4f7-cb33-46ea-b9ac-431f6452b1a5. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

ERLEADA (apalutamide) Prescribing Information. https://www.jnjlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/ERLEADA-pi.pdf. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

ERLEADA - Use of ERLEADA in Patients with Hepatic Impairment. https://www.jnjmedicalconnect.com/products/erleada/medical-content/erleada-use-of-erleada-in-patients-with-hepatic-impairment. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.