Bicalutamide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings

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# Bicalutamide

Generic name: bicalutamide [ bye-ka-LOO-ta-mide ]
Brand name: Casodex
Dosage form: oral tablet (50 mg)
Drug classes: Antiandrogens, Hormones / antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 24, 2021.

## What is bicalutamide?

Bicalutamide is a prescription medicine belonging to a class of medicines called non-steroidal androgen receptor inhibitors.

Bicalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Bicalutamide is given in combination with another medicine called a luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. LHRH helps prevent the testicles from producing testosterone.

It is not known if bicalutamide tablets are safe and effective in children.

## Warnings

Bicalutamide can harm an unborn baby if you father a child while using this medicine. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using bicalutamide and for at least 130 days (about 19 weeks) after your last dose.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to bicalutamide.

Use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Bicalutamide can harm an unborn baby if you father a child while using this medicine. Keep using birth control for at least 130 days (about 19 weeks) after your last dose.

Bicalutamide is not for use by women or children.

This medicine can cause birth defects if a woman takes it during pregnancy.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- liver disease; or

- diabetes.

Bicalutamide pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

## How should I take bicalutamide?

Take bicalutamide exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Bicalutamide is usually taken once per day in the morning or evening.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

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. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You should not stop using bicalutamide unless your doctor tells you to.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

## Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

In combination with an LHRH analog: 50 mg orally once a day (morning or evening)
Comments:
-Therapy with this drug should be started at the same time as therapy with an LHRH analog.
-If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Use: For use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate

Detailed Bicalutamide dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your LHRH injection.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while taking bicalutamide?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Bicalutamide could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

## Bicalutamide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to bicalutamide: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

- breast pain or swelling;

- sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;

- low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet;

- liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fever, chills;

- high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

- (if you also take warfarin) unusual bruising or bleeding.

Common bicalutamide side effects may include:

- anemia;

- blood in your urine;

- fever, chills, flu-like symptoms;

- trouble breathing;

- hot flashes;

- pain in your back, pelvis, or stomach;

- swelling in your arms, ankles, legs, or feet;

- increased night-time urination;

- weakness, dizziness; or

- nausea, diarrhea, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Bicalutamide side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect bicalutamide?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

- a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with bicalutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Bicalutamide drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use bicalutamide only for the indication prescribed.

## More about bicalutamide

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
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- Reviews (10)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antiandrogens
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Casodex

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Prostate Cancer

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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