Casodex

Generic Name: bicalutamide (bye ka LOO ta mide)

Brand Names: Casodex

What is bicalutamide?

Bicalutamide is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).

Bicalutamide is used together with another hormone to treat prostate cancer.

Bicalutamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about bicalutamide?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, or any other serious illness. Bicalutamide is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medication that prevents the testicles from producing testosterone.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not stop taking bicalutamide without your doctor's advice. If you stop your treatment suddenly, your condition may become worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your prostate and liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, blood in your urine, or stomach pain with loss of appetite, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Bicalutamide should never be taken by a woman or a child. Although bicalutamide is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bicalutamide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bicalutamide. Bicalutamide should never be taken by a woman or a child.

To make sure you can safely take bicalutamide, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, or any other serious illness.

Although bicalutamide is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

How should I take bicalutamide?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Bicalutamide is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medication called a luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. This medication prevents the testicles from producing testosterone. Treatment with bicalutamide and LHRH is usually started at the same time. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Bicalutamide is usually taken once per day in the morning or evening. You may take the medicine with or without food. Try to take the medication at the same time each day.

LHRH is given as an injection or a tiny implant injected through a needle under the skin around your navel. LHRH injections are given at intervals such as once every 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not stop taking bicalutamide without your doctor's advice. If you stop your treatment suddenly, your condition may become worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your prostate and liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your LHRH injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking bicalutamide?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Bicalutamide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  chest pain, cough or trouble breathing;

  
  


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  feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

  
  


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  swelling in your hands or feet;

  
  


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  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

  
  


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  pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;

  
  


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  blood in your urine; or

  
  


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  nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  hot flashes;

  
  


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  breast pain or swelling;

  
  


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  weakness, dizziness;

  
  


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  back pain, pelvic pain, joint or muscle pain;

  
  


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  increased nighttime urination;

  
  


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  upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation;

  
  


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  weight changes;

  
  


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  impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm;

  
  


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  dizziness, headache; or

  
  


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  sore throat, runny nose or other cold symptoms.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect bicalutamide?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

There may be other drugs that can interact with bicalutamide. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Casodex resources

• Casodex Side Effects (in more detail)
• Casodex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Casodex Drug Interactions
• Casodex Support Group
• 5 Reviews for Casodex - Add your own review/rating

• Casodex Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Casodex Consumer Overview


• Casodex Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Casodex Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Casodex MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Bicalutamide Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Bicalutamide Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Casodex with other medications

• Prostate Cancer

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about bicalutamide.

See also: Casodex side effects (in more detail)