Bicalutamide

• Type of Drug: Antiandrogen.
• Prescribed for: Advanced prostate cancer.

General Information

Bicalutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogenic hormone that inhibits the action of androgen. Prostate cancer is androgensensitive and responds to any treatment that counteracts the effects of androgen or removes the source of androgen. When Bicalutamide is given by itself/ levels of other hormones, testosterone and estradiol, rise. To prevent this, Bicalutamide is combined with a second drug (Goserelin or Leuprolide).

Cautions and Warnings

Do not take this drug if you are sensitive or allergic to it. Bicalutamide should be used with caution if you have moderate to severe liver disease. Bicalutamide may reduce sperm production.

Possible Side Effects

• Most common: hot flashes, breast swelling and pain, generalized pain, and infection.
• Common: back pain, weakness, pain in the pelvic area, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, liver irritation, swelling in the arms or legs, dizziness, tingling in the hands or feet, sleeplessness, sweating, rash, nighttime urination, blood in the urine, urinary infection, impotence, anemia, and breathing difficulty.
• Less common: flu, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, vomiting, weight loss, loss of urinary control, bone pain, headache, swelling, fever, neck pain, chills, blood infection, cancers, angina pains, heart failure, upset stomach, rectal bleeding, dry mouth, blood in the stool, diabetes, weight gain, dehydration, gout, muscle aches or weakness, arthritis, broken bones, anxiety, depression, reduced sex drive, confusion, muscle stiffness or spasms, confusion, sleepiness, nervousness, nerve damage, cough, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, stuffy or funny nose, lung disease, itching, dry skin, hair loss, frequent urination, pain or difficulty on urination, and perceived need to urinate.

Drug Interactions

Bicalutamide increases the effects of oral anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs. If you are taking an anticoagulant and start on Bicalutamide, your dosage will have to be adjusted.

Food Interactions

This drug may be taken without regard to food or meals.

Usual Dose

Adult: 50 mg once a day.
Child: not recommended.

Overdosage

Studies have been carried out with people taking 200 mg a day of Bicalutamide. Exact dosage levels at which Bicalutamide would be an overdose have not been established. Call your local poison center for more information. Overdose victims should be taken to a hospital emergency room for treatment. ALWAYS bring the medicine bottle with you.

Special Information

Take this drug at the same time each day. You should be taking Bicalutamide together with a luteinizing hormonereleasing hormone (LH-RH) drug such as Goserelip or Leuprolide. These drugs should be taken together and stopped only on the advice of your doctor.
If you forget a dose of Bicalutamide, take ft as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose and continue with your regular schedule. Call your doctor if you miss a dose.

Special Populations

Pregnancy/Breast-feeding
Bicalutamide can harm a developing fetus and should never be taken by a pregnant woman. It is meant for use only by men.
It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk.

Seniors
Bicalutamide can be taken without special precaution by older adults.