Prostate cancer is a potentially fatal condition in which prostate cells multiply at a very fast rate. The prostate refers to a gland that's part of the male reproductive system. MedlinePlus of the National Library of Medicine says prostate cancer signs include pain with urination, urinary retention, lower back pain and pain with a bowel movement.
Flutamide
Flutamide, commonly sold as Eulexin, acts as an antiandrogen medication that treats prostate cancer. Drugs.com says flutamide prevents male hormones from acting on the prostate. This medication's less concerning effects include diarrhea, hot flashes, impotence, rectal bleeding or inflammation and blood in the urine. A skin rash, loss of sex drive (libido), lowered sperm count and larger breasts are some of flutamide's other less serious side effects. Notify a doctor when flutamide's less serious effects remain for longer than five to seven days.
In some instances, an allergic reaction or liver damage results from taking flutamide. Signs of an allergic response include difficulty breathing; swelling of the tongue, face or lips; and hives. Signs of liver damage include abdominal pain, fatigue, poor appetite, dark urine and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Go to the emergency room when these symptoms develop.
Those with hemoglobin M deficiency (blood disorder), liver disease or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency may require a decrease in flutamide's dosage.
Flutamide is a tablet taken three times a day.
Goserelin
Goserelin, commonly sold as Zoladex, acts as a drug to treat prostate cancer symptoms. According to Drugs.com, goserelin can also treat endometriosis (a uterine disease) and breast cancer. Specifically, this drug reduces testosterone production so prostate cancer cells don't multiply.
Goserelin's less concerning side effects include a headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and a poor appetite. Additional effects include trouble sleeping, acne, sweating and fewer erections. Inform a doctor when goserelin's less serious side effects emerge.
Goserelin's serious side effects include back pain, muscle weakness, chest pain, confusion and a poor appetite. Additional serious effects include difficulty breathing, easy bruising and changes in the heart rate. Call a physician when these effects develop.
Having such conditions as osteoporosis (brittle bone disease), diabetes, difficult or painful urination and abnormal bleeding may require a reduction in goserelin's dose.
Goserelin is available as a small implant that's injected underneath the skin every 28 days, Drugs.com says.
Nilutamide
Nilutamide, commonly sold as Nilandron, is another medication that treats prostate cancer. MedlinePlus of the National Library of Medicine says nilutamide is an antiandrogen that blocks testosterone, a male hormone. This prevents prostate cancer from spreading within the body.
Nilutamide's less concerning side effects include dizziness, hot flashes, constipation and changes in vision. Conctact a doctor when nilutamide's less serious effects last for longer than five days.
Nilutamide's serious effects include vomiting, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the upper part of the stomach, poor appetite and dark urine. Notify a doctor when nilutamide's side effects develop.
Taking warfarin, theophylline or phenytoin may require a change in nilutamide's dose.
Nilutamide is a tablet taken daily.
