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Bicalutamide

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.

About bicalutamide

Type of medicineAnti-androgen
Used forProstate cancer
Also calledCasodex
Available asTablets

Bicalutamide works by interfering with the actions of male sex hormones (androgens). It can be used on its own, or it can be used to prevent the tumour 'flare' which sometimes occurs after starting treatment with gonadorelin analogues (which reduce the hormone androgen) or after surgery.

Before taking bicalutamide

Before taking bicalutamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take bicalutamide

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
  • Swallow your tablet whole with a drink of water.
  • Take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If your next dose is due, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Do not take two doses together.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of bicalutamide contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • Do not stop taking bicalutamide without speaking with your doctor first.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside bicalutamide.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. Bicalutamide can cause changes to certain blood tests that your doctor may want to check.
  • Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell your surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking bicalutamide.

Can bicalutamide cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoeaEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast, and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids

Other side-effects may include weakness, breast tenderness, hot flushes, itchy dry skin, loss of hair, reduced sex drive and increased weight.


Important: If you experience serious breathlessness, swelling of your mouth or face, chest pain, blood in your urine, or yellowing of the skin and whites of your eyes, then contact your doctor straight away or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

How to store bicalutamide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Casodex® 150mg Tablets, AstraZeneca UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised July 2006, accessed 10 December 2007.
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3787		DocRef:
dils3793		Last Reviewed:
4 Feb 2008		Version:
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