What is Casodex?
Casodex works as an anti-androgen. It prevents the action of androgens, or male hormones. Casodex can be used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. Casodex can be given with a hormone-releasing hormone called LHRH (pronounced "LOO-tee in-ize"). LHRH prevents the testicles from producing testosterone.
Warnings
Casodex can be used to treat prostate carcinoma. Women and children should not take this medicine. Bicalutamide may harm an unborn child if you father a baby while taking this medication. Prevent pregnancy by using effective birth control while using Casodex and for at least 130 days (19 weeks) following your last dose.
Casodex may harm your liver. If you experience nausea, upper abdominal pain, itching, or loss of appetite, or if your urine is dark or your stools are clay-coloured, call a doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Casodex should not be used if you have an allergy to bicalutamide If your partner can get pregnant, use effective birth control. Bicalutamide may harm an unborn child if you father a baby while taking this medication. Use birth control for at least 130 days (19 weeks) after the last dose. Casodex should not be used by women or children. If a pregnant woman takes this medicine, it can lead to birth defects.
Casodex may not be safe for you if:
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
How to take Casodex?
Follow all directions listed on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets that accompany your medicine. Be familiar with any special instructions included with your medication prescriptions. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.
Casodex can be taken in the morning and evening. Take your medicine every day at the same time, with or without eating.
LHRH can be injected or placed as a small implant through a needle. LHRH is injected at regular intervals, such as every four weeks. Please follow your doctor's advice. Casodex should be used until your doctor says otherwise. Medical tests will be required frequently. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for prostate cancer:
Combination with LHRH analogue: 50mg orally, once daily (morning and evening).
Comments:
The drug therapy should begin at the same time that an LHRH analogue is being used.
If a dose has been missed, you should take the next scheduled dose. Do not double up the dose or take the missed one.
Use: In combination with a LHRH analogue to treat metastatic prostate cancer of stage D2.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go. If you are unable to make your appointment for the LHRH injection, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly. Casodex can make you more susceptible to sunburn. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30) or higher.
Side effects of Casodex
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling of your throat, face, or tongue, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Breast pain or swelling
- Sudden chest pain, wheezing or dry coughing, feeling short of breath
- Low red blood cells, or anaemia, can cause pale skin, unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded, shortness of breath, and cold hands and/or feet.
- Liver problems: nausea; upper stomach pain; feeling tired; and a loss of appetite. Jaundice.
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and a fruity breath smell;
- If you are also taking warfarin, unusual bleeding or bruising may occur.
Casodex may cause the following side effects:
- Anaemia;
- Blood in urine
- Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms;
- Trouble breathing
- Hot Flashes
- Back, pelvis, or stomach pain;
- You may experience swelling of your ankles, feet, arms, or legs.
- Increased nighttime urination
- Weakness, dizziness,
- Nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- A blood thinner (warfarin Coumadin Jantoven)
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may interact with bicalutamide. This list does not include all drug interactions.
