Uses of undefined

Bicalutamide is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal antiandrogens. It works by blocking the effect of androgen (a male hormone) to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells in the prostate gland (located just below the bladder in men). It is indicated for use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist to treat Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Bicalutamide is a prescribed drug available as a 50 mg tablet. The recommended dose in combination with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog is one 50 mg tablet once daily (morning or evening) to treat stage D2 metastatic prostate cancer. Your healthcare physician will prescribe the medicine based on the condition.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Bicalutamide tablets are contraindicated in those who have allergic reactions to the drug or any of the tablet’s components. The symptoms of the hypersensitivity reaction include rash, redness, inflammation in the skin, and swelling in the legs, hands, and ankles. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, notify your physician immediately. Severe liver injury and bleeding have been reported with the continuous use of Bicalutamide. Your physician may take blood tests before, during, and after the treatment to monitor your liver function and the possibility of bleeding.

Precautions

The drug may cause allergic reactions; notify your doctor if you see any signs of rash, itchy skin, redness in the skin, Swelling of your lips or tongue, sudden cough, and low blood pressure. Avoid pregnancy while taking Bicalutamide because this drug may cause infertility. Talk to your healthcare provider before planning for pregnancy. Inform your physician if you have noticed any symptoms of bleeding. Inform your physician if you have diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, blood/bleeding problems, or infection and about all the other prescribed, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal medications you take.

Side Effects

The common side effects of bicalutamide are swelling in the leg, hand, and ankles, hot flashes, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, infections, back pain, chills,  pain in the pelvis, weakness, blood in urine, frequent urination at night, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, cough, loss of appetite, changes in weight. Other serious side effects include heart failure, heart attack, and liver damage. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.

Word Of Advice

Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature. Avoid keeping the tablet in direct sunlight or in excessive moisture. Bicalutamide may cause dizziness if you are affected by this side effect, then do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.

Frequently Asked Question

• When is the best time of day to take bicalutamide?
• It is best to take this medicine at the same time each day, in the morning or in the evening. This medicine should be started at the same time as treatment with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonist.

• Does bicalutamide shrink the prostate gland?
• Bicalutamide blocks testosterone from reaching the cancer cells. This may shrink prostate cancer or stop it from growing. There are no proven effects on the shrinkage of the prostate glands.

• Does bicalutamide affect the kidneys?
• Yes, the kidneys may get affected during the long-term treatment of Bicalutamide. Your physician may perform blood tests regularly to monitor your kidney function.

• Does Bicalutamide cause infertility?
• Yes, the drug Bicalutamide causes infertility in both men and women. Try consulting your physician if you are planning for pregnancy.

• How to take Bicalutamide tablets?
• Take the tablet as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew the medicine. Take medicine at the same time every day for better results.

• What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
• Inform your physician about the missed dose. Do not take the Bicalutamide double the time.