The following information is a summary about Casodex. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
About your Casodex treatment
Your doctor has ordered the drug Casodex/bicalutamide to help treat your illness. The Casodex drug is taken by mouth with tablets. Casodex may be taken with or without food.
This Casodex medication is used to treat:
-prostate cancer
This Casodex medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Casodex information.
Casodex/Bicalutamide is in a class of drugs known as hormones; Casodex slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. Casodex works by blocking the effects of certain chemicals that are necessary for the cancer cells to live. The length of Casodex treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Casodex Precautions
Before taking Casodex/bicalutamide,
- tell your doctor and Casodex pharmacist if you are allergic to Casodex/bicalutamide or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and Casodex pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, aspirin-substitute products, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- you should know that this Casodex drug may stop sperm production. However, you should not assume that you cannot get someone else pregnant. You should not plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy or for a while after treatments. (Talk to your doctor for further details.) Use a reliable method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. Casodex/Bicalutamide may harm the fetus.
- you should know that this Casodex drug should not be used in women, especially women who are or could become pregnant.
- do not have any vaccinations (e.g., measles or flu shots) without talking to your doctor.
Casodex Side Effects
Side effects from Casodex/bicalutamide are common and include:
- hot flashes
- breast swelling, pain, or tenderness
- loss of sexual desire
- impotence
- diarrhea
- headache
Tell your doctor if either of these Casodex symptoms is severe:
- dizziness
- swelling of the hands or feet
If you experience any of the following Casodex symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- vision changes
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- excessive tiredness
- loss of appetite
- flu-like symptoms
- dark urine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
Other uses for this Casodex medicine
This Casodex medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Casodex information.
In case of Casodex emergency/overdose
In case of Casodex overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other Casodex information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Casodex.
Do not let anyone else take your Casodex medication. Ask your Casodex pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Casodex prescription.
What storage conditions are needed for Casodex?
Keep Casodex in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Casodex at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Casodex medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Casodex medication.
What should I do if I forget a Casodex dose?
Take the missed Casodex dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Casodex dose, skip the missed Casodex dose and continue your regular Casodex dosing schedule. Do not take a double Casodex dose to make up for a missed one.
