Xtandi (enzalutamide) is a prescription drug used to treat prostate cancer in certain cases. The drug comes as both an oral tablet and an oral capsule. It’s usually taken once daily.
Xtandi is used in adults to treat prostate cancer when:
- treatment with surgery or medications that lower testosterone levels hasn’t worked, or
- the cancer has spread to other parts of your body and is responding to treatment that lowers testosterone levels, or
- the cancer has a high risk of spreading to other parts of your body and is responding to treatment that lowers testosterone levels
You may also need to take a drug that works with Xtandi to lower testosterone levels as part of your treatment. This will depend on the type of prostate cancer you have or whether you’ve had an orchiectomy (surgery to remove your testicles).
The active ingredient in Xtandi is enzalutamide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Xtandi belongs to a group of drugs called androgen receptor inhibitors.
This article describes the dosage of Xtandi, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Xtandi, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Xtandi’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Form | Strengths | Typical dosage |
|---|---|---|
| oral tablet | • 40 mg • 80 mg | • 160 mg once daily |
| oral capsule | • 40 mg | • 160 mg once daily |
Keep reading for more details about Xtandi’s dosage.
What are Xtandi’s forms?
Xtandi is available as an oral tablet and an oral capsule.
What strengths does Xtandi come in?
- Xtandi capsules come in one strength of 40 mg.
- Xtandi tablets come in two strengths: 40 mg and 80 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Xtandi?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for prostate cancer
The typical Xtandi dosage for adults with prostate cancer is 160 mg taken once per day.
Is Xtandi used long term?
Yes, Xtandi is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
The dosage of Xtandi you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type of prostate cancer you have and its risk of spreading
- other medications you take
- whether you have bothersome side effects with Xtandi
Xtandi is available as an oral tablet and an oral capsule. If you have trouble swallowing tablets or capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
Xtandi should be swallowed whole. You shouldn’t split, crush, or chew Xtandi tablets or capsules.
You can take Xtandi either with or without food.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Xtandi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Xtandi in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Xtandi, take it as soon as you remember. But if you don’t remember until the following day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Don’t take two doses together or any extra doses to make up for missing a dose. Doing so can raise your risk of side effects.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Xtandi on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Xtandi than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include seizure.
What to do in case you take too much Xtandi
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Xtandi. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Xtandi’s dosage.
When is the best time of day to take my dose of Xtandi?
There’s no best time of day to take Xtandi. You can take your dose at any time that best suits your daily schedule. However, you should stick to the same time each day. This helps keep a steady level of the medication in your body, which allows it to work more effectively.
How long does it take for Xtandi to start working?
Xtandi starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Xtandi treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Xtandi for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Xtandi without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Xtandi exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What are my options if I can’t swallow Xtandi?
- Will my other medications affect the dosage of Xtandi I’m prescribed?
- If my dose of Xtandi is lowered for any reason, will Xtandi be less effective at treating my cancer?
To learn more about Xtandi, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.