Casodex (bicalutamide) is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).
Casodex is used together with another hormone to treat prostate cancer.
Casodex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Casodex is used to treat prostate cancer. This medicine should never be taken by a woman or a child.
Casodex can harm your liver. Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Casodex if you are allergic to bicalutamide.
Casodex should never be taken by a woman or a child.
Although Casodex is not for use by women, this medicine can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.
To make sure Casodex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
How should I take Casodex?
Take Casodex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Casodex is usually taken once per day in the morning or evening. You may take the medicine with or without food. Try to take the medication at the same time each day.
Casodex is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medicine called a luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. These medicines prevent the testicles from producing testosterone.
Treatment with Casodex and LHRH is usually started at the same time. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
LHRH is given as an injection or a tiny implant injected through a needle under the skin around your navel. LHRH injections are given at intervals such as once every 4 weeks. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
You should not stop using Casodex suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
While using Casodex, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor"s office.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Casodex dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:
50 mg orally once a day, given at the same time each day.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your LHRH injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Casodex?
Casodex may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Bicalutamide can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Bicalutamide can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit). Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
Casodex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Casodex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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breast pain or swelling;
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blood in your urine;
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fever, chills;
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sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
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low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
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liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
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high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss.
Common Casodex side effects may include:
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hot flashes;
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pain in your back, pelvis, or stomach;
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swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
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increased night-time urination;
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weakness, dizziness; or
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nausea, diarrhea, constipation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Casodex?
Other drugs may interact with bicalutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
