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Brand Names: Casodex

Generic Name: bicalutamide (Pronunciation: bye ka LOO ta mide)

• What is bicalutamide (Casodex)?
• What are the possible side effects of bicalutamide (Casodex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about bicalutamide (Casodex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bicalutamide (Casodex)?
• How should I take bicalutamide (Casodex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Casodex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Casodex)?
• What should I avoid while taking bicalutamide (Casodex)?
• What other drugs will affect bicalutamide (Casodex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is bicalutamide (Casodex)?

Bicalutamide is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).

Bicalutamide is used together with another hormone to treat prostate cancer.

Bicalutamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of bicalutamide (Casodex)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain, cough or trouble breathing;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• blood in your urine; or
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• hot flashes;
• breast pain or swelling;
• weakness, dizziness;
• back pain, pelvic pain, joint or muscle pain;
• increased nighttime urination;
• upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation;
• weight changes;
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm;
• dizziness, headache; or
• sore throat, runny nose or other cold symptoms.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about bicalutamide (Casodex)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, or any other serious illness.

Bicalutamide is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medication that prevents the testicles from producing testosterone. You should not start taking bicalutamide until you have received the other medication 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.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, blood in your urine, or stomach pain with loss of appetite, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

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

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