This medicine is used to treat advanced prostate cancer. It is usually used with another medicine. This medicine is in tablet form.

Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. It should be started at the same time as the other medicine your doctor will prescribe. The second medicine (for example, Lupron) is given as either a daily or a monthly injection, depending on the form prescribed for you. If you are to give yourself the injections, be sure you know how and when to give the injections. Do not miss doses or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's approval. Take doses of this medicine (the tablets) at the same time each day. They may be taken with or without food.

Please Note

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests regularly to find out how you are responding to the treatment. Keep all appointments for tests or injections.

This medicine may elevate your blood sugar. If you are diabetic, talk to your doctor about this.

Females of childbearing age: This medicine can harm the baby when it is taken during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are breast-feeding an infant.

The most common side effect of this medicine is hot flashes (redness and warm feeling of your face and neck), which are not harmful.

Rarely this medicine causes dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are alert and clearheaded.

Possible Side Effects

Serious (report these to your doctor): Any pain that is severe and continues, any infection or severe diarrhea.

Other: Constipation, nausea, vomiting, urinary problems, hot flashes, insomnia, weight loss, swelling of breasts, breast pain, increased urination at night.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Possible Drug Interactions

The action of blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) may be affected by this medicine. Check with your doctor because blood tests and a dosage adjustment may be necessary.

Be sure that you tell all doctors who treat you about all medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products.

This educational document includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Other Names For This Medication:

bicalutamide, oral; Casodex (bicalutamide, oral)