Casodex (Bicalutamide) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

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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...

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Casodex Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bicalutamide (Casodex)?

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

Bicalutamide should never be taken by a woman or a child.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, or any other serious illness. You may not be able to take bicalutamide, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Although bicalutamide is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

How should I take bicalutamide (Casodex)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Bicalutamide is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medication called a luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. This medication prevents the testicles from producing testosterone.

Bicalutamide is usually taken once per day in the morning or evening. You may take the medicine with or without food. Try to take the medication at the same time each day.

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 start taking bicalutamide until you have received the LHRH injection prescribed as part of your treatment.

Your doctor may occasionally change your bicalutamide dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Do not stop taking bicalutamide without your doctor's advice. If you stop your treatment suddenly, your condition may become worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your prostate and liver function will need to be checked with blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store bicalutamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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