bicalutamide

Brand name(s):

Casodex

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

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or if you use a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).. Bicalutamide is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medication that prevents the testicles from producing testosterone. You should not start taking bicalutamide until you have received the other medication prescribed as part of your treatment.

Your doctor may occasionally change your bicalutamide dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. 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 blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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 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 other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bicalutamide, or if you have liver disease.

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 need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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.

How should I take bicalutamide?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger 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.

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 longer. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You should not start taking bicalutamide until you have received the LHRH injection prescribed as part of your treatment.

Store bicalutamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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