Bicalutamide
(Casodex, United States and Canada)

More drugs used for Cancer.

Use:

Bicalutamide or Casodex is use in metastatic prostate cancer, that is prostate cancer which has spread to other areas of the body.

How It Works:

Bicalutamide or Casodex is an anti androgen, meaning it blocks male hormones - specifically, testosterone. It is given in combination with either a drug that inhibits the production of testosterone, for example leuprolide, goserelin, or with surgical castration. This therapy means that the body does not produce male hormones, and whatever amounts do exist in the body are blocked by Bicalutamide or Casodex.

Side Effects:

Bicalutamide or Casodex can cause breast enlargement, hot flashes, itching, and breast tenderness. Because Bicalutamide or Casodex is not a steroid drug, it does not have side effects associated with steroids.

Cautions for People:

Bicalutamide or Casodex is metabolised in the liver. With liver damage more of the drug may remain in the body, thus people with liver damage should take the drug with care.
Women and children should not take Bicalutamide or Casodex.

Drug Interactions:

Bicalutamide or Casodex is often given with other drugs to obtain a maximum therapeutic effect.

Further Reading:

Urology 1996;47(Supp1A):54
Urology 1995;45(5):750
N Engl J Med 1994;331:996
Urology 1995;45:745

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.

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