Casodex

Casodex

     * Generic Name: bicalutamide
     * Brand Name: Casodex


     * What is bicalutamide (Casodex)?
     * What are the possible side effects of bicalutamide (Casodex)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       bicalutamide (Casodex)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       bicalutamide (Casodex)?
     * How should I take bicalutamide (Casodex)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Casodex)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Casodex)?
     * What should I avoid while taking bicalutamide (Casodex)?
     * What other drugs will affect bicalutamide (Casodex)?
     * Where can I get more information (Casodex)?

What is bicalutamide (Casodex)?

   Bicalutamide is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by
   preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).

   Bicalutamide is used together with another hormone to treat
   prostate cancer.

   Bicalutamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of bicalutamide (Casodex)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * breast pain or swelling;
     * blood in your urine;
     * fever, chills;
     * sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, feeling
       short of breath;
     * low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, feeling light-headed
       or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, feeling tired, loss
       of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
       (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
     * high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination,
       hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin,
       blurred vision, weight loss.

   Common side effects may include:
     * hot flashes;
     * pain in your back, pelvis, or stomach;
     * swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
     * increased night-time urination;
     * weakness, dizziness; or
     * 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.

What is the most important information I should know about bicalutamide
(Casodex)?

   Although bicalutamide is not for use by women, this medicine can cause
   birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

   Casodex Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Tests, Treatments

   Prostate Cancer Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Medical Illustrations of the Prostate Image Collection
   Men's Health: Essential Screening Tests Every Man Needs

   Men's Screening Tests Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bicalutamide
(Casodex)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to bicalutamide.

   Use effective birth control if your sexual partner is able to get
   pregnant. An unborn baby can be harmed if a man fathers the child while
   he is using bicalutamide. Keep using birth control for at least 130
   days (about 19 weeks) after your last dose.

   Bicalutamide should never be taken by a woman or a child.

   Although bicalutamide is not for use by women, this medicine can cause
   birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.

   To make sure bicalutamide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * liver disease;
     * diabetes; or
     * if you also take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin,
       Jantoven).

How should I take bicalutamide (Casodex)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Bicalutamide 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.

   Bicalutamide 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 bicalutamide 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 bicalutamide unless your doctor tells you to.

   While using bicalutamide, you may need frequent blood tests.

   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 Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Tests, Treatments

   Prostate Cancer Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Medical Illustrations of the Prostate Image Collection
   Men's Health: Essential Screening Tests Every Man Needs

   Men's Screening Tests Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Casodex)?

   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 (Casodex)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking bicalutamide (Casodex)?

   This medicine 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.

   This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit).
   Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's 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.

What other drugs will affect bicalutamide (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.

Where can I get more information (Casodex)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about bicalutamide.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.