Casodex (Bicalutamide)

Description

Casodex is an antiandrogen agent. Its main component is bicalutamide. It is a non-steroidal inhibitor of the androgen receptor.

 

Uses

 

Casodex is used in the treatment of prostate cancers. It is particularly used when the cancer in the prostate has proliferated in other areas of the body. Androgens stimulate the prostate cancer cells into growing. Casodex prevents the actions of the androgen receptors in the body. This reduces the rate at which the tumors grow. In certain instances the tumors may diminish in size. It is usually used along with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormones as a part of a combination therapy.

 

Contact your physician to discover what other uses this medication may have for you.

 

Dosage

 

Always follow the prescription that your doctor has provided you with. Do not take Casodex in lower or higher doses than you have been instructed.

 

This medication should be taken orally.

 

The total recommended dose for Casodex is 100 mg. This should be divided into two 50 mg doses, taken once in the morning and then again in the evening. It can be taken with or without a meal.

 

This medication works best if it is taken at the same time every day.

 

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

 

In the event of an overdose, contact your local medical emergency services.

 

Side Effects

 

The most common side effects that can be experienced with Casodex are:

 

 Enlargement of limbs
 Presence of blood in urine
 Distorted vision
 Discomfort of the body
 Blocked nasal passage
 Wet cough
 Difficulty breathing
 Lightheadedness
 Irritation of the throat
 Fever
 Discomfort in the back or side of the body
 Anxiety
 Difficulty urinating
 Increase in weight
 Erratic heartbeat
 Excessive perspiration
 Changes to vocal pitch

 

The less common side effects experienced with this medication are:

 

 Unusual lesions
 Discomfort in the joints
 Loss of vision
 Rectal bleeding
 Bleeding from the nose
 Discomfort while urinating
 Tightness in chest
 Disorientation
 Difficulty urinating
 Difficulty consuming food
 Prominent veins in the neck
 Loss of consciousness
 Decrease in appetite
 Irritated skin
 Pain in the abdomen
 Unusual lesions in the abdomen

 

In the event that you experience any of the above side effects, call your physician immediately.

 

Contraindications

 

 This medication should not be given to women or to children. Casodex can cause birth defects in the fetus of pregnant women.

 

 Do not take Casodex if you are allergic to bicalutamide.

 

 Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease. This medication may harm your liver.

 

 Inform your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

 

 Inform your physician if you have been prescribed with blood thinners or similar medications.

 

 Casodex may cause a delay in your thinking or your actions. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience these side effects.

 

 This medication may make you more susceptible to the effects of the sun. Do not expose your skin to the sun for long periods of time.