Oncology Drug Reference Sheet: Darolutamide

October 22, 2019 by Kathleen Wiley MSN, RN, AOCNS®

Based on the results of the phase III ARAMIS trial that demonstrated significant improvement in metastasis-free survival, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved darolutamide (Nubeqa®) under priority review (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-darolutamide-non-metastatic-castration-resistant-prostate-cancer) on July 30, 2019. Darolutamide is approved for nonmetastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer in men receiving concurrent gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy or who have had bilateral orchiectomy.

Category/Class

Multitargeted androgen receptor inhibitor (http://labeling.bayerhealthcare.com/html/products/pi/Nubeqa_PI.pdf) 

Indication

Nonmetastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer in men receiving concurrent gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy or who have had bilateral orchiectomy

Dosing

The recommended dose is 600 mg (two 300 mg tablets) administered orally twice daily. Darolutamide should be used with caution with patients with severe renal or moderate hepatic impairment.

Administration

Administer orally with food.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse events in patients receiving darolutamide were elevated AST (23%), decreased neutrophil count (20%), hyperbilirubinemia (16%) fatigue (16%), pain in extremities (6%), and rash (3%).  

Nursing Considerations

Patient Education 

Gero-Oncology Considerations

Because many older adults have comorbidities or are prescribed other pharmacologic agents, polypharmacy and concomitant medications should be considered. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were seen in clinical trials between patients aged 65 years or older and younger patients.

Safe Handling

Data regarding the hazardous potential of darolutamide are lacking, but it has been demonstrated to be embryotoxic. Healthcare workers who are pregnant or trying to conceive should use caution.  

Patient Assistance

The Darolutamide User Drug Experience (DUDE) access service program can help patients with benefits verification, prior authorization assistance, and appeal support. Download a patient service request form at nubeqahcp.com or call 833-337-DUDE.


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