IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
(bye-kah-LEW-tuh-mide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Casodex
USES: This medication is used in combination with other medication for the treatment of a certain stage of prostate cancer (metastatic prostate cancer).
HOW TO USE: Take this by mouth exactly as directed, usually once a day in the morning or the evening. It is best to take this medication at the same time each day. This may be taken with or without meals. Do not increase your dose or stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause hot flashes, diarrhea, constipation, general body aches, dizziness, nausea, increased urination, cough, swelling or tenderness of the breasts or decreased sexual desire. Inform your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms continue or become severe. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following effects: breathing trouble, swelling of the hands or feet, bloody urine, depression, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills), unusual weakness. Rarely, serious (possibly fatal) liver disease could occur. Seek immediate medical attention if these side effects occur: dark urine, stomach pain, yellowing eyes/skin, extreme fatigue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication must be taken under close medical supervision so your response can be monitored. Serious reactions (including premature death) might infrequently occur while using only bicalutamide therapy for localized prostate cancer. Ask for more details, and discuss the risks and benefits of your prostate therapy with your doctor. Bicalutamide is not recommended for use in women or children. Bicalutamide must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you use, particularly of: blood thinners. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function tests) will be performed to monitor for side effects and response to therapy.
MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Developed by First DataBank, Inc., San Bruno, CA
Copyright 2004 by First DataBank, Inc.