Sometimes, GnRH agents can cause your body to temporarily make a lot of testosterone before the levels drop. To avoid side effects from the hormonal surge, your doctor may also suggest you take another kind of drug, called "anti-androgens." These drugs block the ability of your prostate cancer cells to use androgens. Three common types of anti-androgen drugs are:
You may take these before you start GnRH agents to avoid a hormone flare-up or if other hormone therapies stop working.
- Bicalutamide (Casodex)
- Flutamide (Eulexin)
- Nilutamide (Nilandron)