Azel 40mg for Prostate Cancer, PCOS & Hair Growth – Uses, Dosage & Precautions

Azel 40mg Capsule – Effective treatment for prostate cancer, PCOS, and excessive hair growth.
๐Ÿ’Š Azel 40mg Capsule – A trusted solution for prostate cancer, PCOS, and excessive hair growth.

Azel 40mg Capsule

๐Ÿ’Š Type: Prescription Medicine
๐Ÿข Manufacturer: Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd
๐Ÿงช Composition: Enzalutamide (40mg)
๐ŸŒก️ Storage: Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place
๐Ÿ” Similar Medicines: [Click here to view substitutes]

Product Introduction

Azel 40mg Capsule contains Enzalutamide, a powerful androgen receptor inhibitor primarily used in the treatment of prostate cancer. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as androgen receptor antagonists, which work by blocking the effects of testosterone, a male hormone that can promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. Enzalutamide represents a significant advancement in the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and has expanded treatment options for men facing advanced stages of this disease.

Developed after extensive clinical research, Azel 40mg provides patients with a targeted therapy that addresses the underlying mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, Enzalutamide works specifically on androgen receptors, potentially resulting in fewer systemic side effects while effectively controlling cancer growth.

Azel 40mg Capsules are designed for convenient oral administration, allowing patients to maintain their treatment regimen at home rather than requiring frequent hospital visits for intravenous treatments. The 40mg dosage strength provides physicians with flexibility in prescribing appropriate treatment protocols based on individual patient needs and response patterns.

For patients with advanced prostate cancer who have developed resistance to conventional hormone therapy or have progressed after docetaxel-based chemotherapy, Azel 40mg offers hope and an important treatment option. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in extending survival and improving quality of life metrics in appropriate patient populations.

As with any cancer medication, Azel 40mg should only be used under the close supervision of qualified healthcare professionals who can monitor treatment response, manage potential side effects, and make necessary dosage adjustments. This medication represents an important component of comprehensive prostate cancer care when used as part of an overall treatment strategy that may include other medications, radiation therapy, or surgical interventions as determined by the healthcare team.

Key Composition & Ingredients

  • Active Ingredient: Enzalutamide 40mg
  • Inactive Ingredients: May include caprylocaproyl polyoxylglycerides, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, gelatin capsule shell, sorbitol sorbitan solution, glycerol, titanium dioxide, and pharmaceutical grade printing ink

Uses of Azel 40mg Capsule

Azel 40mg Capsule (Enzalutamide) is primarily indicated for:

  • Treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
  • Management of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)
  • Treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)
  • Use in patients who have previously received docetaxel chemotherapy
  • Treatment of patients who have progressed on standard androgen deprivation therapy

Benefits of Azel 40mg Capsule

  • Prolongs overall survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer
  • Delays disease progression and symptoms
  • May reduce the need for immediate chemotherapy
  • Maintains quality of life for longer periods
  • Oral medication allowing for convenient home administration
  • May delay the onset of skeletal-related events
  • Can reduce prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
  • May provide pain relief in symptomatic patients

How Azel 40mg Capsule Works

Mechanism of Action

Enzalutamide functions through multiple mechanisms to inhibit androgen receptor signaling:

  1. Competitive Inhibition: Directly competes with androgens for binding to androgen receptors
  2. Nuclear Translocation Blockade: Prevents the transport of activated androgen receptors to the cell nucleus
  3. DNA Binding Inhibition: Interferes with androgen receptor binding to DNA
  4. Coactivator Recruitment Prevention: Blocks the association of coactivator proteins required for gene transcription

This multi-faceted approach effectively blocks the androgen signaling pathway even in cancer cells that have developed resistance to traditional anti-androgen therapies.

Dosage of Azel 40mg Capsule

Daily Dose

  • Standard dosage: 160mg (four 40mg capsules) taken once daily
  • Timing: Should be taken at approximately the same time each day
  • Administration: Can be taken with or without food

Missed Dose

  • If less than 12 hours have passed: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered
  • If more than 12 hours have passed: Skip the missed dose and resume regular schedule
  • Never double dose to make up for a missed dose

Overdose

  • Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected
  • Symptoms may include increased risk of seizures, dizziness, and more severe side effects

Directions for Use

  1. Swallow Azel 40mg capsules whole
  2. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or open the capsules
  3. Take with a full glass of water
  4. Can be taken with or without food
  5. Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels
  6. Continue medication as prescribed even if feeling well
  7. Regular follow-up with healthcare provider is essential

Side Effects of Azel 40mg Capsule

Common Side Effects

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Hot flashes
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Reduced appetite
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Serious Side Effects

  • Seizures
  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
  • Falls and fractures
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Mental health changes including anxiety, insomnia, or confusion

How to Manage Side Effects

  • For fatigue: Balance rest with light activity; maintain good nutrition
  • For hot flashes: Dress in layers; avoid triggers like alcohol and spicy foods
  • For hypertension: Regular blood pressure monitoring; follow lifestyle recommendations
  • For mental health changes: Report to healthcare provider promptly
  • For falls risk: Exercise caution when moving; use assistive devices if needed

Safety Advice for Azel 40mg Capsule

Alcohol

  • Caution: Alcohol may increase dizziness and fatigue; best avoided during treatment

Pregnancy

  • Not Applicable: Enzalutamide is not indicated for use in women

Breastfeeding

  • Not Applicable: Enzalutamide is not indicated for use in women

Driving

  • Caution: May cause dizziness, seizures, or fatigue that could affect ability to drive

Kidney

  • Caution: No dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate kidney impairment
  • Close monitoring recommended for severe kidney impairment

Liver

  • Caution: Dose adjustment may be needed for moderate liver impairment
  • Not recommended for severe liver impairment

Children

  • Not Applicable: Not indicated for pediatric use

Older Patients

  • Safe: Generally well-tolerated in elderly patients with appropriate monitoring
  • May have increased risk of falls and fractures

Allergy

  • Contraindicated: Do not use if allergic to enzalutamide or any ingredients in the formulation

Warnings & Precautions of Azel 40mg Capsule

  • Seizure Risk: Enzalutamide may lower the seizure threshold
  • Fall Risk: Increased risk of falls and fractures reported
  • Cardiovascular Disease: Monitor patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions
  • Drug Interactions: Many potential drug interactions require careful medication review
  • Reproductive Concerns: Male patients should use effective contraception during and for 3 months after treatment
  • Driving/Operating Machinery: Exercise caution due to potential neurological effects

Interactions with Azel 40mg Capsule

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Strong CYP2C8 Inhibitors: May increase enzalutamide concentration
  • Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: May decrease enzalutamide concentration
  • Warfarin and Coumarin-like Anticoagulants: Monitor INR more frequently
  • Medications Metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19: May reduce effectiveness of these medications
  • P-glycoprotein Substrates: May affect absorption and elimination

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant food interactions reported; can be taken with or without food

Contraindications of Azel 40mg Capsule

  • Hypersensitivity to enzalutamide or any component of the formulation
  • Pregnancy (not relevant as indicated only for males)
  • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C)
  • History of seizure disorder or conditions that may predispose to seizures

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

  • Maintain adequate hydration throughout treatment
  • Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Regular physical activity as tolerated can help manage fatigue
  • Weight-bearing exercises may help reduce the risk of bone loss
  • Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice
  • Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended
  • Implement fall prevention strategies at home

Why Doctors Recommend This Medicine

Physicians prescribe Azel 40mg Capsule for prostate cancer patients because:

  • It offers survival benefits in advanced prostate cancer
  • It's effective when other hormone therapies fail
  • It's well-tolerated compared to some chemotherapies
  • Oral administration allows convenient home treatment
  • It targets the disease through multiple mechanisms
  • It can delay disease progression and maintain quality of life

Substitutes & Alternative Medicines

Alternative medications for prostate cancer treatment include:

  • Abiraterone acetate (Zytiga)
  • Darolutamide (Nubeqa)
  • Apalutamide (Erleada)
  • Bicalutamide (Casodex)
  • Docetaxel (chemotherapy)
  • Cabazitaxel (chemotherapy)
  • Radium-223 dichloride (for bone metastases)

Storage Guidelines

  • Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
  • Keep in original container, tightly closed
  • Protect from light and moisture
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Do not use after the expiration date

Quick Tips

  • Take at the same time daily for consistent blood levels
  • Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly
  • Keep track of side effects in a symptom diary
  • Always carry your medication information during travel
  • Inform all healthcare providers about enzalutamide treatment
  • Regular PSA testing is important to monitor treatment response
  • Maintain regular follow-up appointments with your oncologist

Fact Box

  • Chemical Class: Androgen receptor inhibitor
  • Habit Forming: No
  • Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic agent
  • Action Class: Androgen receptor antagonist

Useful Diagnostic Tests

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Electrocardiogram (in patients with cardiac history)
  • Bone scans (to monitor metastases)
  • CT scans or MRI (to evaluate disease status)

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding treatment decisions and potential side effects. Individual responses to medication may vary. Report any adverse reactions to your healthcare provider immediately.

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