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Bicalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. It is used in combination with hormone treatment. This medication works by blocking the action of male hormones in the prostate, slowing growth of the tumors.This medication should not be used in women or children.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Bicalutamide
Uses
Bicalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. It is used in combination with hormone treatment. This medication works by blocking the action of male hormones in the prostate, slowing growth of the tumors.This medication should not be used in women or children.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., prostate specific antigen-PSA levels, liver and kidney function tests, complete blood counts) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day in the morning or evening, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- Remember to use it at the same time each day.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval.
- Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
Side Effects
- Flushing and sweating (hot flashes), body aches and pains, breast swelling/tenderness/pain, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, weakness, hair loss, weight changes, constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, gas, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: decreased sexual ability/desire, vision changes, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, swelling of the arms/legs, unusual or easy bleeding/bruising, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), trouble breathing, persistent cough, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain.Rarely, bicalutamide may cause growth of other types of tumors.
- Consult your doctor immediately if new lumps or growths occur.This medication may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease.
- Seek immediate medical attention if any of these side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, unusual tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking bicalutamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease.When higher doses (150 milligrams per day) of this medication are used in patients with early-stage localized prostate cancer, more deaths have occurred than in patients whose doctors decided to monitor them closely before treating with this medication.
- Ask your doctor for more details and discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- To minimize these effects and flushing of the face, limit alcoholic beverages.Bicalutamide should not be used in women or children.
- It must not be used in a woman who may be pregnant or breast-feeding.
- This medication may cause harm to an unborn or breast-feeding baby.
Missed Dose
- For the best benefits, it is important to take this medication as directed.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: warfarin.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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