Bicalutamide
(Generic Name) Other Names: Casodex
About This Drug
Bicalutamide is used to treat cancer. This drug is given by mouth.
Possible Side Effects
- decrease in the number of red blood cells. You may experience extreme tiredness.
- hot flashes
- breast swelling, tenderness, or pain
- mild nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea that may last for several days
- constipation. Normal bowel routine usually returns about one week after the drug is stopped.
- indigestion
- headache
- pelvic pain
- loss of sexual desire
- back pain
- impotence
- raised, red rash on your arms, legs, back, or chest
- swelling of feet or legs
- dizziness
- confusion
- changes in liver enzymes. Liver enzymes will be checked as needed.
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- This drug may have harmful effects on the unborn child, so effective methods of birth control should be used during your cancer treatment.
Treating Side Effects
- Ask your doctor or nurse about medica-tion to help prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting.
- Check with your doctor or nurse before you use enemas, laxatives, or suppositories.
Food and Drug Interactions
There are no known interactions of bicalutamide and any food. This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications that you are currently taking.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- uncontrolled nausea that prevents you from eating or drinking
- swelling of feet or legs
- dizziness
- confusion
Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- diarrhea of five or six stools in one day or diarrhea with weakness or lightheadedness
- nausea unrelieved by prescribed medication
- headache unrelieved by prescribed medication
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- no bowel movement for three days or if you become uncomfortable
- breast swelling, tenderness, or pain
- persistent loss of appetite or weight loss of five pounds or more in one week
- extreme tiredness that interferes with normal activities
- extreme drowsiness
- rash that is bothersome
- indigestion
- back pain
- pelvic pain
- impotence
- loss of sexual desire
- hot flashes that interfere with sleep or normal activities
Other Instructions
Take this drug at the same time each day.