BICALUTAMIDE
(bye-cal-LOO-ta-mide)
Other Names for this Medication
Casodex, Cosudex, Calutide, Kalumid (Brand Names)
Appearance
White tablet containing 50 mg Bicalutamide
Why this Medication is Used
This medication may be used alone, or in combination with other medications for the treatment of prostate cancer. Bicalutamide blocks the male hormone that stimulates the growth of prostate cancer cells.
How do you take this Medication
The tablet is taken with a full glass of water usually once a day, with or without food. It may be taken in the morning or the evening, but should be taken at the same time each day.
Precautions
• Other medications may interact with Bicalutamide. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications (even over-the-counter ones and herbal products and supplements). Do not start or stop taking any medications without first checking with your doctor and pharmacist.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking the blood-thinning drug, Coumadin® (Warfarin). Your doctor will need to closely monitor your blood clotting time and adjust your drug dosage if necessary.
• Tell all other doctors or dentists that you are taking Bicalutamide, before you receive treatment from them.
• It is important to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you may have.
• Drinking alcohol while taking Bicalutamide may produce excessive facial flushing. Avoid drinking alcohol if this becomes bothersome.
• Do not stop taking your Bicalutamide tablets before speaking with your doctor.
• Store Bicalutamide tablets in the original package/container at room temperature. Keep out of the reach of children.
Information presented here are events likely to take place, but some rare events may have been excluded. For more information on this medication, please call your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
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SIDE EFFECTS |
PREVENTION |
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO |
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MORE COMMON: |
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| • Breast enlargement and tenderness
• Discharge from breasts • Hot flashes and sweating |
• These effects will disappear when you stop taking the drug or take a lower dose of Bicalutamide. (Your doctor will tell you if you should change your dose, or stop).
• Tell your doctor if these effects bother you |
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LESS COMMON: |
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| • Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation • Feeling weak, dizziness, mild itch • Yellowing of skin and/or eyes |
• It may help to take the tablet with food. | • Let your doctor or nurse know if the nausea lasts more than 48 hours. Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication.
• Tell your doctor on your next visit if these effects become bothersome. • Let your doctor or nurse know. |
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RARE: |
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| • Vomiting
• Blood clots, pain in lower legs or arms, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain • Severe itching of the skin (with raised lumps) or swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, causing difficulty in swallowing • Pain in the upper stomach • Decreased libido/ impotence • Dry skin, rash |
• Avoid tight clothing, don’t sit with your legs crossed at the knees, maintain an active lifestyle, and drink lots of fluid. | • Let your doctor or nurse know if the vomiting lasts more than 48 hours.
• Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY! • Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY! • Let your doctor or nurse know. |
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