Casodex (Bicalutamide) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Casodex

Prostate Cancer »

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland is an organ that is located at the base or outlet (neck) of the urinary bladder. (See the diagram that follows.) The gland surrounds the first part of the urethra. The urethra is the passage through which urine drains from the bladder to exit from the penis. One function of the prostate gland is to help control urination by pressing directly against the part of the urethra that it surrounds. The main function of the prostate gland is to produce some of the substances that are found in normal semen, such as minerals and sugar. Semen is the fluid that transports the sperm to assist with reproduction. A man can manage quite well, however, without his prostate gland. (See the section on surgical treatment for prostate cancer.)

In a young man, the normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut (<30g). During normal aging, however, the gland usually grows larger. This hormone-related enlargement with aging is called b...

Read the Prostate Cancer article »

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Casodex

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Casodex Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Flushing and sweating (hot flashes), body aches and pains, breast swelling/tenderness/pain, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, weakness, hair loss, weight changes, constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, gas, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: decreased sexual ability/desire, vision changes, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, swelling of the arms/legs, unusual or easy bleeding/bruising, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), trouble breathing, persistent cough, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression).

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain.

Rarely, bicalutamide may cause growth of other types of tumors. Consult your doctor immediately if new lumps or growths occur.

This medication may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, unusual tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking bicalutamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, diabetes, lung/breathing problems.

When higher doses (150 milligrams per day) of this medication are used in patients with early-stage localized prostate cancer, more deaths have occurred than in patients whose doctors decided to monitor them closely before treating with this medication. Ask your doctor for more details and discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. To minimize these effects and flushing of the face, limit alcoholic beverages.

Bicalutamide should not be used in women or children. It must not be used in a woman who may be pregnant or breast-feeding. This medication may cause harm to an unborn or breast-feeding baby.