Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: BICALUTAMIDE-ORAL (bye-kah-LEW-tuh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Casodex
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Prostate Cancer - Learn about prostate cancer treatment, causes, signs, stages, hormone therapy, symptoms, and how to maintain good prostate health.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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