Nubeqa (darolutamide) is a medicine used to treat certain advanced prostate cancers.1-3 Like Xtandi and Erleada, it blocks testosterone and other male hormones from helping cancer cells grow.
Nubeqa is usually taken with testosterone-lowering treatment unless both testicles have been surgically removed, and it may be used with or without chemotherapy when the cancer has spread but still responds to low testosterone levels.¹⁻⁴
Your healthcare team will consider the type and stage of the cancer, previous treatment, test results, kidney and liver function, overall health, and other medicines before deciding whether Nubeqa is an appropriate treatment for you.1-2
Nubeqa may be prescribed for adult men whose prostate cancer:
Testosterone and other male hormones help prostate cancer cells grow by sending signals through androgen receptors on cancer cells. Nubequa blocks these hormones from attaching to the receptors and keeps the receptors from entering the cell’s command center, where they can turn on genes that help cancer cells survive and multiply.¹˒³˒⁴
By blocking these signals, Nubequa may slow cancer growth, lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and delay the cancer from spreading or getting worse. PSA is a protein made by prostate cells that is measured in the blood to help track prostate cancer.1,3,4
Nubeqa is taken twice daily with food. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, split, or chew them unless your healthcare provider gives different instructions.¹˒²
The ARANOTE study included 669 men whose prostate cancer had spread but still responded to testosterone-lowering treatment. Men who added Nubeqa were 46% less likely to have their cancer get worse or die during the study than men who received testosterone-lowering treatment alone.⁴
The ARASENS study included 1,306 men whose prostate cancer had spread but still responded to testosterone-lowering treatment. After four years, about 63% of men who received Nubeqa with testosterone-lowering treatment and chemotherapy lived, compared with about 50% of men who received testosterone- lowering treatment and chemotherapy without Nubeqa.⁵
A separate review of the ARASENS study looked at 54 Black men with prostate cancer that had spread but still responded to testosterone-lowering treatment.6 After four years, 62% of the Black men who received Nubeqa with testosterone-lowering treatment and chemotherapy lived, compared with 41% of Black men who received testosterone- lowering treatment and chemotherapy without Nubeqa.
The additional small study suggests that Black men may receive the same survival benefit from Nubeqa, but only 54 Black men were included, so larger studies are needed to make a conclusion about race and Nubeqa survival rates.6
Side effects may differ depending on whether Nubeqa is taken alone or with chemotherapy.
Possible side effects include:
Seek immediate medical treatment for:
Kidney and Liver Problems
Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems. Men with severe kidney problems who are not on dialysis, or who have liver problems, may need a lower dose. Kidney and liver tests may be checked before and during treatment.¹
Fertility
Men with female partners who could become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for one week after the last dose.1-3
Cholesterol medicine interactions
Nubeqa can also increase the amount of some cholesterol medicines in the body. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check your cholesterol medicine and every medicine you take for possible interactions.¹
Nubeqa can change how some medicines work, and some medicines can raise or lower the amount of Nubeqa in the body. Certain combinations may need to be avoided, monitored more closely, or adjusted.¹˒²
Bring a complete list of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements. Include medicines used for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, blood clots, infections, seizures, and other medical conditions.
Ask your healthcare provider whether any medicines need to be changed, which symptoms need urgent medical attention, and how your health history, insurance coverage, transportation needs, and ability to attend follow-up visits may affect your care.
Before taking Nubeqa, tell your doctor if you have:
Health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, and kidney problems, along with trouble getting specialist care, may make prostate cancer treatment and side effects harder to manage.⁷ High blood pressure affects about 60% of non-Hispanic Black adults, and only about 32% of Black adults prescribed blood pressure medicine have their blood pressure under control.8-10
About 1 in 9 Black men has been diagnosed with high blood sugar, and 20% of non-Hispanic Black adults have kidney problems.8-10 Black Americans are also more than four times as likely as White Americans to develop kidney failure.11
Because Black men are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, or kidney problems, close partnership with the healthcare team and regular monitoring may be especially important. All men with these conditions should work closely with their healthcare provider while taking Nubeqa.4-7
Patients with advanced prostate cancer can find access to Nubeqa through several ways, including commercial insurance, Medicare Part D and other financial-support options. Eligible commercially-insured patients, patients on Medicare and Medicaid, and those without insurance, may qualify for special programs or can receive information about government programs and independent charitable foundations. Learn more about access to Nubeqa.
This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any drug or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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