Casodex

Generic Name: bicalutamide (bye ka LOO ta mide)
Brand Names: Casodex

What is bicalutamide?

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

Bicalutamide is used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Bicalutamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.

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

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or any other serious illness. You may not be able to take bicalutamide, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Bicalutamide is not indicated for use by women. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. Bicalutamide is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that bicalutamide is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It is not known whether bicalutamide passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take bicalutamide?

Take bicalutamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Bicalutamide may be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Take bicalutamide at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Store bicalutamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of bicalutamide is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room, poison control center, or your doctor for advice.

What should I avoid while taking bicalutamide?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while you are taking bicalutamide unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Bicalutamide side effects

Stop taking bicalutamide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bicalutamide and talk to your doctor if you experience

• hot flashes,

• decreased sex drive or impotence,

• headache,

• nausea or vomiting,

• diarrhea or constipation,

• breast tenderness or swelling,

• weakness, or

• pain in the back or pelvic areas.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect bicalutamide?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). Bicalutamide may interact with warfarin, and bleeding could result. Your doctor will want to monitor your warfarin therapy.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with bicalutamide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about bicalutamide written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Bicalutamide is available with a prescription under the brand name Casodex. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Casodex 50 mg-white, film-coated tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with other, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.