Uses
What is bicalutamide used for?
Bicalutamide is commonly used to treat prostate cancer.
Bicalutamide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does bicalutamide work (mechanism of action)?
Bicalutamide works by blocking the effects of certain hormones, thereby reducing the growth of prostate cancer cells.
How is bicalutamide supplied (dosage forms)?
Bicalutamide is available as Casodex and generic bicalutamide in the following dosage form that is taken by mouth.
- 50 mg oral tablets
How should I store bicalutamide?
Bicalutamide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of bicalutamide?
The most common side effects of bicalutamide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Short periods of feeling warm and sweating (hot flashes)
- Body pain, including the back, hip, and stomach region
- Feeling unusually weak or tired
- Nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
- Infection
- Swelling in your arms, ankles, legs, or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
- Having to pee a lot during the night
- A decrease in red blood cells (anemia)
There may be other side effects of bicalutamide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of bicalutamide?
While less common, the most serious side effects of bicalutamide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Bicalutamide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using bicalutamide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Liver Damage. Bicalutamide may cause liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Large and Painful Breasts. Bicalutamide may cause your breasts to increase in size and be painful. Tell your healthcare provider if you see changes in your chest area.
Lung Inflammation. Bicalutamide can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble breathing. You may also have a cough and/or fever.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use bicalutamide?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take bicalutamide.
- Bicalutamide
- Casodex
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific bicalutamide products they stock.
Women and Pregnancy. Bicalutamide is not for use in women. See the Pregnancy section below for more details.
What should I know about bicalutamide before using it?
Do not take bicalutamide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Try to take the medicine at the same time each day.
Do not share bicalutamide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep bicalutamide out of the reach of children.
Do not stop taking bicalutamide without talking to your healthcare provider.
Bicalutamide may affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how bicalutamide affects you.
If your partner is able to get pregnant, use effective contraception when taking bicalutamide and for 130 days after you stop taking it. Bicalutamide may damage sperm.
Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking certain drugs, including bicalutamide. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight.
Bicalutamide may impair your ability to father a child. Impaired fertility may be reversible. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using bicalutamide?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if bicalutamide is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
Other Medicines and Supplements. Bicalutamide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking bicalutamide, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. Do not take bicalutamide and tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Bicalutamide may cause harm to an unborn baby.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if bicalutamide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does bicalutamide interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between bicalutamide and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect bicalutamide. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking bicalutamide.
Does bicalutamide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
Bicalutamide may alter the blood levels of many other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much bicalutamide?
If you or someone else has taken too much bicalutamide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of bicalutamide?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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