Drug Name

Casodex (Bicalutamide)

Drug Uses

Casodex is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Casodex is intended for use with other medicines. It may be used for conditions as determined by your doctor. Casodex is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen. It works by blocking the action of testosterone.

How to use

Use Casodex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Casodex is taken by mouth with or without food.
Casodex is taken with your other prostate cancer medicine at the same time each day.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Casodex is an oral medication that is used for treating cancer of the prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs, called anti-androgens which includes flutamide (Eulexin) and nilutamide (Nilandron). Androgens (an example of which is testosterone) are hormones that are produced and released by the adrenal glands. They are responsible for supporting (stimulating) tissues that primarily are thought of as male, for example, the male prostate gland. Male traits that also are influenced by androgens include facial and body hair and small breasts. Anti-androgens prevent the action of androgens by blocking the receptors for androgens on the cells of tissues, for example, the cells of the prostate gland. In addition to normal prostate cells, androgens also have been shown to stimulate the growth of cancer cells within the prostate. Casodex is thought to prevent the growth of prostate cancer by blocking the effects of androgens on the cancer cells.

Missed Dose

Should you miss a dose of Casodex , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Casodex should be stored at room temperature.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Casodex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Casodex
• you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Before using Casodex tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• you are a woman
• you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• you have liver disease.

Do NOT use Casodex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Casodex
• you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Some medicines may interact with Casodex . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of side effects, including bleeding, may be increased

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Abnormal skin sensations; anxiety; arthritis; back pain; bone pain; breast growth or pain; bronchitis; constipation; decreased sexual ability; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; frequent urination; gas; hot flashes; impotence; increased cough; indigestion; infection; loss of bladder control; muscle weakness; nausea; pain; pelvic pain; rash; runny nose; sleeplessness; sore throat; sweating; urinary retention; weakness; weight change.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; difficulty breathing; flu-like symptoms; loss of appetite; muscle aches; nausea; pneumonia; stomach pain; tenderness of the right upper quadrant; tiredness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

In case you have any questions about Casodex, please consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Casodex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.