Erleada Side Effects

Generic name: apalutamide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 17, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Erleada Side Effects associated with apalutamide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Erleada.

Applies to apalutamide: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Erleada

Along with its needed effects, apalutamide (the active ingredient contained in Erleada) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking apalutamide:

More common side effects

• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• blurred vision
• constipation
• depressed mood
• difficulty with moving
• dizziness
• dry skin and hair
• falls
• feeling cold
• hair loss
• headache
• hoarseness or husky voice
• joint pain
• muscle cramp, pain, and stiffness
• nervousness
• pain in the legs
• pounding in the ears
• rapid weight gain
• slow or fast heartbeat
• tingling of the hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• weight gain

Less common side effects

• bloody urine
• chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• decreased urine output
• dilated neck veins
• irregular breathing or heartbeat
• nausea
• pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw, or neck
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• fever
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• red irritated eyes
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• swollen glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Other side effects of Erleada

Some side effects of apalutamide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• decreased appetite
• decreased weight
• diarrhea
• feeling of warmth
• itching, skin rash
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

For healthcare professionals

Applies to apalutamide: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects are fatigue, hypertension, rash, diarrhea, nausea, weight decreased, arthralgia, fall, hot flush, appetite decreased, fracture, and peripheral edema.^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (70%), leukopenia (47%), lymphopenia (41%)^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypercholesterolemia (76%), hyperglycemia (70%), hypertriglyceridemia (67%), hyperkalemia (32%), appetite disorder (appetite decreased, early satiety, hypophagia) (12%)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Hematuria^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/asthenia (39%), fall (16%), edema (peripheral edema, generalized edema, edema, edema genital, penile edema, peripheral swelling, scrotal edema, lymphedema, swelling, localized edema) (11%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (25%), hot flush (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Ischemic heart disease, heart failure
• Frequency not reported: Myocardial infarction, cardiopulmonary arrest^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (maculopapular rash, generalized rash, urticaria, rash pruritic, rash macular, conjunctivitis, erythema multiforme, rash papular, skin exfoliation, genital rash, rash erythematous, stomatitis, drug eruption, mouth ulceration, rash pustular, blister, papule, pemphigoid, skin erosion, and rash vesicular) (24%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Very common (10% or more): Thyroid stimulating hormone elevated
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypothyroidism^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (20%), nausea (18%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Seizure
• Frequency not reported: Cerebral hemorrhage^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (16%), fracture (e.g., rib fracture, lumbar vertebral fracture, spinal compression fracture, spinal fracture, foot fracture, hip fracture, humerus fracture, thoracic vertebral fracture, upper limb fracture, fractured sacrum, hand fracture, pubis fracture, acetabulum fracture, ankle fracture, compression fracture, costal cartilage fracture, facial bones fracture, lower limb fracture, osteoporotic fracture, wrist fracture, avulsion fracture, fibula fracture, fractured coccyx, pelvic fracture, radius fracture, sternal fracture, stress fracture, traumatic fracture, cervical vertebral fracture, femoral neck fracture, tibia fracture) (12%)^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Infection^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What is the mechanism of action for Erleada?
• Erleada vs. Xtandi: What's the difference?
• How long do you have to take Erleada (apalutamide) for?
• How effective is Erleada (apalutamide)?
• What type of prostate cancer is Erleada used to treat?

Further information

Erleada side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer