Erleada (apalutamide) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of prostate cancer in adults. Erleada comes as a tablet that’s typically taken once per day.

Erleada belongs to a drug class called androgen receptor inhibitors. Erleada is not available in a generic version. Specifically, Erleada is approved to treat adults with:

  • metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC)
  • nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC)

For these uses, Erleada may be given along with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) drug or prescribed after surgery to remove the testicles.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Erleada, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Erleada, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Erleada provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Erleada, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is more information about Erleada’s dosage for its approved uses.

Erleada form

Erleada comes as a tablet that you swallow.

Erleada strengths

Erleada is available in two strengths: 240 milligrams (mg) and 60 mg.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer

The dosage of Erleada for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer is 240 mg taken once daily. You’ll take one 240-mg tablet or four 60-mg tablets, depending on what your doctor prescribes.

Dosage for nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

The dosage of Erleada for nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is 240 mg taken once daily. You’ll take one 240-mg tablet or four 60-mg tablets, depending on what your doctor prescribes.

Long-term treatment

Erleada is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Erleada is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

The Erleada dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Erleada to treat
  • any side effects you may have with Erleada

Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Erleada dosage.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may decrease your Erleada dosage if you have certain side effects after taking it.

Erleada oral tablets are taken by mouth once daily with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them.

It may be helpful to take Erleada at around the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Erleada can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist. For details about other ways to take Erleada tablets, see the Erleada Instructions for Use.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Erleada in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Erleada, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you do not use more Erleada than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Erleada

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Erleada. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Erleada for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Erleada without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Erleada that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Erleada. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Erleada. For information about other aspects of Erleada, refer to this article.
  • Side effects. To learn about side effects of Erleada, see this article. You can also look at the Erleada prescribing information.
  • Drug comparison. To find out how Erleada compares with Xtandi, read this article.
  • Cost. If you’d like to learn about Erleada and cost, see this article.
  • Interactions. For details about Erleada’s interactions, see this article.
  • Details about prostate cancer. For details about prostate cancer, see our prostate cancer hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.