Bicalutamide: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Bicalutamide is a medicine used to treat prostate cancer. Bicalutamide works by blocking the action of male hormones in the prostate gland, slowing the growth of cancer cells. Bicalutamide should not be used by women and children.

1. What does Bicalutamide do?

Bicalutamide is a medicine used to treat prostate cancer. Bicalutamide works by blocking the action of male hormones in the prostate gland, slowing the growth of cancer cells. Bicalutamide should not be used by women and children.
Bicalutamide drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
Metastatic prostate carcinoma Advanced prostate cancer Bicalutamide drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
Diabetes Anemia Interstitial pneumonia liver injury and hepatitis Abnormal liver function Pregnancy

2. Precautions when using Bicalutamide

Read the instructions from your doctor carefully before you start taking Bicalutamide and each time you are given a refill. Bicalutamide is to be taken by mouth on an empty or full stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Use Bicalutamide regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember and avoid forgetting to take your pill, take Bicalutamide at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or use Bicalutamide more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster by doing so, and may even increase your risk of serious side effects. Because Bicalutamide can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and can harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use Bicalutamide or breathe in the dust from it. Tests such as PSA level, liver function, blood sugar, complete blood count should be done while you are taking Bicalutamide.

3. Bicalutamide drug side effects

While using Bicalutamide, you may experience hot flushes, swelling or tenderness, or breast pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight change, headache, trouble sleeping, sadness sleep or dizziness. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Bicalutamide because he or she has judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use Bicalutamide without experiencing any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects while using Bicalutamide, including: Increased thirst or urination, decreased libido or sex drive, changes in mind conditions such as anxiety, depression; swelling of hands, ankles or feet, difficulty breathing, increased cough, numb or tingling skin, joint pain, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, painful or bloody urination, signs of infection such as fever, chills persistent sore throat.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects while using Bicalutamide, including: Chest/jaw/left arm pain.
Bicalutamide has rarely caused serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if any of these liver-related side effects occur while you are using Bicalutamide, including: Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach pain, urine dark color.
A very serious allergic reaction to Bicalutamide is very rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Bicalutamide, including: Rash, itching, or swelling anywhere, especially in face, tongue or throat; severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Below are Bicalutamide side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Bicalutamide include:
Infection Anemia High blood pressure Shortness of breath Change in sexual interest Blood in urine Breast pain Constipation Constipation Decreased appetite Diarrhea Dizziness Drowsiness Enlarged breasts Swelling in feet, legs, arms or hands Stomach bloating Indigestion Muscle pain Nausea Pain Temporary redness of face and neck Inability to get an erection Night time urination Vomiting Uncommon side effects of Bicalutamide medications include:
Abnormal liver function Incontinence of urination Depression Difficult or painful urination Needing to urinate often Increased need to urinate Anxiety Bone pain Flu-like symptoms Headache Leakage Involuntary urination Muscle weakness Rare side effects of Bicalutamide include:
Pulmonary fibrosis A heart attack Hypersensitivity reaction to the drug Angioedema Interstitial pneumonia Gout Yellow eyes or skin from Bilirubin Bilirubin Bleeding from the anus Chronic heart failure Hepatitis Liver failure Sepsis Sepsis Abnormal muscle tone Increased periodontal infection Angina Chest Asthma Chills Dehydration Difficulty swallowing Dry mouth Dry skin Fainting Fever Hair loss High blood sugar High cholesterol Honeycomb Skin increased sensitivity to the sun Severe stomach pain Itching Neck pain Anxiety Nosebleeds Urgent urination, or sudden urge to urinate Visible fluid retention This is not a complete list of Bicalutamide possible side effects. If you notice other effects of Bicalutamide medicine not listed above, contact your doctor.

4. Precautions for Bicalutamide side effects

Before taking Bicalutamide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies. Bicalutamide may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Bicalutamide, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
Liver disease Diabetes Heart disease. Bicalutamide can make you dizzy or drowsy, and alcohol and marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. You should not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness while using Bicalutamide, until you can do these safely. Limit alcoholic beverages while being treated with Bicalutamide. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana.
Bicalutamide may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit the time you spend in the sun and use sun protection when outdoors, during treatment with Bicalutamide.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Bicalutamide.
Bicalutamide should not be used by women, especially during pregnancy or lactation. This medicine may harm an unborn baby or a nursing baby. Male patients and their female partners should use reliable forms of birth control during and for 130 days after treatment with bicalutamide because this medicine can damage sperm.

5. Bicalutamide drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way Bicalutamide works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about all the medications you are taking including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while using Bicalutamide without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Bicalutamide are certain "blood thinners" (such as warfarin).

6. What to do when using Bicalutamide overdose?

If you or someone else has overdosed on Bicalutamide and has severe symptoms such as passing out or having trouble breathing, call 911.

7. What to do if you forget to use Bicalutamide?

If you miss a dose of Bicalutamide, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Bicalutamide at the usual time. Do not use a double dose to make up for a previously missed dose.

8. How to store Bicalutamide?

Store Bicalutamide at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store Bicalutamide in the bathroom. Keep Bicalutamide medicine away from children and pets.
Do not flush Bicalutamide down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of Bicalutamide medication properly when it has expired or is no longer needed.

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Reference source: webmd.com