Drug Name

Casodex (Bicalutamide)

Drug Uses

This medicine is an anti-androgen, used in combination with another medicine to treat prostate cancer. This medicine is not intended for take in women. Casodex may work with warfarin (Coumadin). Therefore, the dose of Coumadin may need to be adjusted.

How Taken

Casodex should be used as one 50mg tablet in the morning or the evening at the alike time each day. It may be used with or without food. Once bicalutamide therapy has begun, it should not be interrupted or stopped without consulting a physician.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Casodex is an oral medication that is used for treating cancer of the prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs, called anti-androgens which includes flutamide (Eulexin) as well as nilutamide (Nilandron). Androgens (an example of which is testosterone) are hormones that are produced as well as released by the adrenal glands. They are accountable for supporting (stimulating) tissues that primarily are thought of as masculine, for example, the masculine prostate gland. Masculine traits that as well as are influenced by androgens include facial as well as body hair as well as tiny breasts. Anti-androgens halt the action of androgens by blocking the receptors for androgens on the cells of tissues, for example, the cells of the prostate gland. In addition to common prostate cells, androgens as well as possess been shown to stimulate the growth of cancer cells within the prostate. Casodex is thought to halt the growth of prostate cancer by blocking the effects of androgens on the cancer cells.

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as likely. Incase it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose as well as go back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Casodex should be stored at room temperature.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take this medicine incase you possess had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. Do not halt using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory or health examination tests, including liver function test, kidney function test, blood counts, or prostate specific antigen may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor as well as laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you begin using this medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Likely Side Effects

When bicalutamide as well as a gonadotrophin, releasing factor analog, are given together, the most ordinary side effect is hot flashes (50% of patients) as well as facial flushing. Alcohol may worsen this reaction, as well as so it should be cautiously consumed. Other ordinary side effects of the combination are diarrhea, constipation as well as overall pain, including pain in the back, hips as well as stomach. Less ordinary side effects are breast enlargement as well as breast pain, which may be due to the bicalutamide alone.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not take this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Incase using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.