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Bicalutamide (Casodex)

 

Bicalutamide (generic Casodex, Cosudex) Review

brand name: Casodex
generic name: Bicalutamide

What is bicalutamide?

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

Bicalutamide is used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

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

Before using Casodex (Cosudex) :

Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you have allergies to medicines, herbal preparation, or other substances
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, foods, or dietary supplement
• if you are a woman
• if you have liver disease

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Casodex (Cosudex) . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Oral anticoagulants (eg, including bleeding, warfarin) because the risk of side effects, may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Casodex (Cosudex) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How should I take bicalutamide?

Take bicalutamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, nurse, ask your doctor, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Bicalutamide may be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Take bicalutamide at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Store bicalutamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Bicalutamide side effects

Stop taking bicalutamide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; closing of your throat; or hives).

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bicalutamide and talk to your doctor if you experience

• pain in the back or pelvic areas.
• weakness, or
• breast tenderness or swelling,
• diarrhea or constipation,
• nausea or vomiting,
• headache,
• decreased sex drive or impotence,
• hot flashes,

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect bicalutamide?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). Bicalutamide may interact with warfarin, and bleeding could result. Your doctor will want to monitor your warfarin therapy.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with bicalutamide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.