Apalutamide has been officially launched in China, and patients can obtain the drug through formal medical channels.
How to Purchase Apalutamide
Hospital Pharmacies
After a specialist physician evaluates the patient’s condition and prescribes apalutamide, the drug can be dispensed directly at the hospital pharmacy.
Physical Pharmacies
In some regions, medical insurance policies allow patients to purchase apalutamide at designated pharmacies with a valid prescription.
Precautions for Purchasing Apalutamide
Prescription Requirements
A valid medical prescription is required for purchase. The prescription must include the patient’s name, drug name, strength, dosage, administration instructions, and the physician’s signature. For insurance reimbursement, an insurance-dedicated prescription is required.
Drug Verification
Upon dispensing, verify the drug name and strength, check the expiration date, inspect packaging for damage, and confirm the desiccant inside the bottle is intact.
Drug Interactions of Apalutamide
Effects of Other Drugs on Apalutamide
1.Strong CYP2C8 or CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil, itraconazole): may increase apalutamide exposure; dose adjustment may be needed based on tolerability.
2.CYP3A4/CYP2C8 inducers (e.g., rifampicin): may decrease apalutamide exposure.
3.Acid‑suppressive agents: do not affect apalutamide bioavailability.
Effects of Apalutamide on Other Drugs
1.CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, UGT substrates: apalutamide is a strong inducer and may reduce exposure; monitor therapeutic efficacy.
2.P‑gp, BCRP, OATP1B1 substrates (e.g., fexofenadine, rosuvastatin): may decrease exposure; use with caution.
3.OCT2, OAT3, MATEs substrates: no clinically significant effects expected.
Adverse Reactions of Apalutamide
Common Adverse Reactions (≥10%)
Fatigue, arthralgia, rash, decreased appetite, falls, weight loss, hypertension, hot flush, diarrhea, fracture.
Serious Adverse Reactions
Cerebrovascular and ischemic cardiovascular events, fractures and falls (higher risk in elderly patients), seizures (0.4% incidence), severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs, including SJS/TEN and DRESS), interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis.
Adverse reaction information is not exhaustive. For complete details, refer to the full prescribing information for apalutamide.
