How does it work?

Bicalutamide is a type of medicine known as an anti-androgen. It works by blocking the effects of male hormones such as testosterone (androgens). Prostate cancers are sensitive to testosterone, and their growth is increased in the presence of this hormone. This is because testosterone binds to androgen receptors on the prostate cancer cells, and causes changes within the cells that result in faster growth of the cancer. Bicalutamide works by preventing testosterone from binding to the androgen receptors on the prostate cancer cells. It therefore starves prostate cancer cells of testosterone, which prevents them growing. Eventually the prostate tumour will shrink. Bicalutamide is used in two doses. Bicalutamide 150mg is used to treat both early and advanced prostate cancer. For early prostate cancer, it is used as initial treatment in men who are not being treated with either radiotherapy or by surgical removal of their prostate gland. For advanced prostate cancer, it can be used either by itself, or in combination with either radiotherapy or surgical removal of the prostate gland. Bicalutamide 150mg is also used to treat advanced prostate cancer in people for whom surgical castration or other medical treatments are not appropriate or acceptable, provided the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Bicalutamide 50mg is only used to treat advanced prostate cancer, and only in combination with either surgical castration, or a different type of anti-cancer medicine known as a "gonadorelin analogue". This class of medicines can cause a short-term worsening of symptoms before the improvement begins, and bicalutamide can prevent this.

What is it used for?

Cancer of the prostate

Warning!

It is recommended that people taking this medicine have regular blood tests to monitor their liver function.

People who are sensitive or intolerant to lactose should be aware that Casodex 150mg tablets contain lactose monohydrate.

Use with caution in

Moderate to severely decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Children

Women

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is for use by men only. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Depression

Inability of a man to have an erection (impotence)

Weight gain

Abnormal enlargement of breasts in the male (gynaecomastia)

Dry skin

Hot flushes

Chest pain (angina)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Itching (pruritis)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)

Decreased sex drive

Breast tenderness

Liver disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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