Drug Name

Casodex (Bicalutamide)

Drug Uses

This medicine is an anti-androgen, used in combination with another medicine to treat prostate cancer. This medicine is not intended for use in women. Casodex may interact with warfarin (Coumadin). Therefore, the dose of Coumadin may need to be adjusted.

How Taken

Casodex should be taken as one 50mg tablet in the morning or the evening at the same time each day. It may be taken with or without food. Once bicalutamide therapy has begun, it should not be interrupted or stopped without consulting a physician.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Casodex is an oral medication that is used for treating cancer of the prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs, called anti-androgens which includes flutamide (Eulexin) and nilutamide (Nilandron). Androgens (an example of which is testosterone) are hormones that are produced and released by the adrenal glands. They are responsible for supporting (stimulating) tissues that primarily are thought of as male, for example, the male prostate gland. Male traits that also are influenced by androgens include facial and body hair and small breasts. Anti-androgens prevent the action of androgens by blocking the receptors for androgens on the cells of tissues, for example, the cells of the prostate gland. In addition to normal prostate cells, androgens also have been shown to stimulate the growth of cancer cells within the prostate. Casodex is thought to prevent the growth of prostate cancer by blocking the effects of androgens on the cancer cells.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Casodex should be stored at room temperature.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory or medical tests, including liver function test, kidney function test, blood counts, or prostate specific antigen may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Before you begin taking this medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects

When bicalutamide and a gonadotrophin, releasing factor analog, are given together, the most common side effect is hot flashes (50% of patients) and facial flushing. Alcohol may worsen this reaction, and so it should be cautiously consumed. Other common side effects of the combination are diarrhea, constipation and overall pain, including pain in the back, hips and stomach. Less common side effects are breast enlargement and breast pain, which may be due to the bicalutamide alone.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.