Brand

Casodex.

How It Works

Bicalutamide is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, locally advanced cases, and locally advanced cases without metastasis (spread to other organs). It works by blocking the action of androgen hormones through binding to prostate tissue, which prevents tumor cells from growing and helps reduce tumor size.

Indications

Medical conditions treated with bicalutamide include advanced prostate cancer, locally advanced prostate cancer, and locally advanced prostate cancer without metastasis.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of bicalutamide include history of hypersensitivity or allergy to bicalutamide, women, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and concomitant use with terfenadine, astemizole, or cisapride.

Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon, but in some cases may include:

• Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity (such as hives or swollen eyelids)

• Pain in the breast area

• Breast enlargement

• Liver inflammation (hepatitis)

• Increased liver enzyme levels

• Chest pain

• Heart failure

• Abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Weight gain or decreased appetite

Types

Bicalutamide is available as 50 mg and 150 mg film-coated tablets, which may be taken before or after meals.

Dosage

Purpose: To treat advanced prostate cancer

Adults: 50 mg once daily, in combination with other hormone therapy

Purpose: To treat locally advanced prostate cancer

Adults: 150 mg once daily, either as a single agent or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy

Purpose: To treat locally advanced prostate cancer without metastases

Adults: 150 mg once daily

Safety

Pregnancy:

This medication is classified as FDA Category X (studies in humans and animals have shown fetal abnormalities, and there is clear evidence of risk to the fetus based on the investigative research or marketing studies). The risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Therefore, bicalutamide must not be used in pregnant women.

Drug Interactions

Amiodarone

Concurrent use of bicalutamide with amiodarone may increase the risk of heart rhythm disturbances, such as torsades de pointes or QT prolongation on heart monitoring in ECG or electrocardiogram. If both medications are used together, strict medical supervision is required to reduce the risk of adverse effects.

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