Casodex

Generic name: bicalutamide

Drug class: Antiandrogens, Hormones / antineoplastics

Dosage form: 50 mg oral tablets

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 50 mg once daily, taken at the same time each day, with or without food. Therapy should be started simultaneously with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog. If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the scheduled time; do not take two doses at once.

Mechanism of action: Bicalutamide is a non-steroidal antiandrogen that competitively inhibits the action of androgens by binding to androgen receptors in target tissues, thereby blocking the effects of male hormones and inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Drug usage cases:

• Metastatic prostate cancer: Used in combination with an LHRH analog for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate.
• Advanced prostate cancer: Used as monotherapy for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to bicalutamide or any of its components.
• Women and children: Not for use in women or children.

Side effects:

• Common: Breast tenderness, breast enlargement, hot flashes, anemia, blood in urine, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, trouble breathing, back, pelvic, or stomach pain, swelling in arms, ankles, legs, or feet, increased night-time urination, weakness, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation.
• Serious: Liver problems (nausea, upper stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice), high blood sugar (increased thirst, urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor), severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat), lung inflammation (cough, fever, difficulty breathing).

Warnings:

• Use effective birth control if your partner is able to get pregnant; bicalutamide can harm an unborn baby if you father a child while using this medicine. Continue using birth control for at least 130 days after your last dose.
• Monitor liver function regularly; discontinue therapy if signs of liver injury occur.
• May cause sun sensitivity; use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
• May impair reactions; avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Bicalutamide is contraindicated in women and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can harm an unborn baby if a woman takes it during pregnancy.