[Pulmonary toxicity of nilutamide (Anandron). Cooperative evaluation of French Regional Pharmacovigilance Centers]

Abstract

We have studied 12 reports of pneumonitis associated with nilutamide (Anandron) and notified to the French regional ADR monitoring centers between November 1987 and June 1990. The mean age of the patients was 71.5 +/- 9.5 years, and 35% (5/12) had a history of lung disease. All 12 patients developed dyspnea, cough and fever, 4.7 +/- 6 months after starting nilutamide. Ten patients (83%) required admission to hospital. The symptoms revolved in 11 cases when the drug was withdrawn. In the other case, they disappeared when another drug was stopped and the dose of nilutamide was reduced. Six patients were treated with glucocorticoids. The severity of nilutamide-associated pneumonitis appears to be related to the time between the onset of dyspnea and consultation.