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Casodex
Generic Name: bicalutamide (bye ka LOO ta mide)
Brand Names: Casodex
Important Information: Casodex
- Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.
What is Casodex
- An anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).
- Used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
What to Discuss before Using
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or any other serious illness. You may not be able to take this medication, or you may require a special dose or monitoring if you have any of these conditions.
- This medication is not indicated for use by women. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. Casodex is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby.
- It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Dosage Method
- Take exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- May be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
- Take at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Miss a dose: Problems?
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.
Overdose?
An overdose is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room, poison control left, or your doctor for advice.
Avoid During Treatment
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while you are taking bicalutamide unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Side effects
- Stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
- Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take this medication and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- hot flashes
- decreased sex drive or impotence
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- breast tenderness or swelling
- weakness
- pain in the back or pelvic areas
- 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 to avoid while undergoing treatment
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). This medication 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. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.