Darolutamide
Say it: dar-oh-LOO-ta-mide · Brand names: Nubeqa
Darolutamide is a hormone pill that blocks testosterone from reaching prostate cancer cells.
What it is
Prostate cancer cells have docking spots, called androgen receptors, that testosterone attaches to. Darolutamide blocks these docking spots so the cancer cannot use testosterone to grow. It is used along with a shot or pill that lowers testosterone, and sometimes with chemotherapy.
Often used for
- prostate cancer that has spread and still responds to hormone treatment
- prostate cancer that has not spread but keeps growing despite low testosterone
How you get it
Darolutamide is a tablet you take by mouth twice a day with food. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Pain in the arms or legs. Gentle stretching and warm baths may help.
- Rash. Use gentle soap and moisturizer, and tell your team about any new rash.
- Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids and eat high fiber foods.
- High blood pressure. Your team will check it at your visits.
- Changes in liver blood tests. Your team will check these.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Chest pain or pressure, or pain in the arm, neck or jaw
- Sudden shortness of breath
- A seizure
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or hives
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have heart disease or high blood pressure
- If you have ever had a seizure
- If you have liver or kidney problems
- All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs and supplements
- If your partner is pregnant or may become pregnant
Good to know
- Darolutamide can raise the risk of heart problems. Your team will watch your heart health.
- Seizures have happened rarely.
- Some medicines can change how much darolutamide is in your body. Check with your team before starting anything new.
- Men should use a condom and their partner should use birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
At home
- Take it twice a day with food, at about the same times each day.
- Swallow the tablets whole.
- If you miss a dose, ask your care team what to do. Do not take two doses to make up for it.
- Store at room temperature, away from children and pets.
Questions to ask
- How will we know if it is working?
- Will I get chemotherapy with this medicine?
- Which of my other medicines could interact with it?
- What can I do to keep my heart and bones healthy?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Darolutamide?
- Darolutamide is a hormone pill that blocks testosterone from reaching prostate cancer cells. Brand names: Nubeqa.
- What is Darolutamide used for?
- prostate cancer that has spread and still responds to hormone treatment; prostate cancer that has not spread but keeps growing despite low testosterone.
- How is Darolutamide given?
- Darolutamide is a tablet you take by mouth twice a day with food. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Darolutamide?
- Feeling tired. Pain in the arms or legs. Rash. Constipation. High blood pressure. Changes in liver blood tests.
- When should I call my care team while taking Darolutamide?
- Chest pain or pressure, or pain in the arm, neck or jaw; Sudden shortness of breath; A seizure; Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine; Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or hives.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.