Casodex (Bicalutamide)

General information

Casodex belongs to a group of medications known as nonsteroidal antiandrogens. It is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. It is used in combination with hormone treatment. This medication works by blocking the action of male hormones in the prostate, slowing growth of the tumors.

Directions

Take Casodex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose for advanced prostate cancer is one 50 mg tablet taken once daily at approximately the same time each day, with or without food. Casodex is given in combination with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. The two drugs should be started at the same time.

Precautions

Before taking Casodex you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, diabetes, anemia or other blood cell problems, lung or breathing problems, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness.

Contraindications

You should not take Casodex if you are allergic to bicalutamide or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are female, or if you have early-stage (localized) prostate cancer who would otherwise undergo watchful waiting. It should not be used in children.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have dizziness, headache, anemia, dry skin, constipation, indigestion, hot flashes, decrease in appetite, depression, stomach pain, blood in the urine, sleeping problems, drowsiness, itching, nausea, impotence, reduction in sexual desire, yellow eyes or skin, swelling of breasts. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: blood thinners (warfarin), calcium channel blockers (nimodipine, verapamil, nifedipine), buspirone, carbamazepine, antidepressants (fluoxetine, amitriptyline, citalopram, nortriptyline, doxepin), antipsychotic medications (chlorpromazine, thiothixene, loxapine), benzodiazepines (clobazam, triazolam, lorazepam, midazolam), clarithromycin, ergot medications (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, bromocriptine), drugs for male erectile problems (tadalafil, vardenafil, sildenafil). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are breast pain, breast swelling, increase in liver enzyme levels, hot flashes.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.