Casodex

Generic name: Bicalutamide

What are bicalutamide tablets?

BICALUTAMIDE (Casodex®) blocks the effect of the male hormone called testosterone. Prostate cancer responds to the removal of androgens. Bicalutamide is used in combination with another medicine. Generic bicalutamide tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bicalutamide, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• trying to produce pregnancy

How should I take this medicine?

Take bicalutamide tablets by mouth at the same time each day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional, even if the tablets make you feel unwell. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What drug(s) may interact with bicalutamide?

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking bicalutamide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• dark yellow or brown urine
• excessive tiredness
• pain in your upper right chest or stomach pain
• severe nausea and vomiting
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• decreased appetite
• diarrhea
• nausea
• hot flashes

What should I watch for while taking bicalutamide?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. At first your condition can get worse, but it will then improve as you continue your treatment. Improvement in your condition can take several days.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store between 15.30 degrees C (59.86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.