Brand Name

Casodex {AstraZeneca}

Generic Name

bicalutamide, pronounced bye ka LOO ta mide

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Casodex?

Casodex is used to treat prostate cancer and works by preventing the actions of your male hormones, also called androgens. You may be prescribed other hormones and medications alongside your treatment with Casodex.

Casodex may also be given for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Casodex

Casodex is often given along with other medications as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment. The other medications that you may receive will help to prevent your testicles from producing testosterone.

Casodex is for men only. Women who are exposed to Casodex while they are pregnant may be at risk of having a child with birth defects. Therefore, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should be especially careful not to handle Casodex.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects like chest pain and shortness of breath, stomach pain with loss of appetite, blood in your urine or very dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Casodex is in Pregnancy Category X, and should not be given to women either pregnant or nursing. It is dangerous to expose women to this medication, as this exposure can lead to birth defects in their unborn child if they are pregnant.

Before You Take Casodex

If you have bicalutamideyou should not take Casodex.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes or any serious diseases before starting treatment with Casodex.

While you are using Casodex your doctor may require you to have regular blood tests to check your liver and prostate functions. Take care to keep your regular appointments with your doctor and follow his or her instructions for taking Casodex.

Casodex Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Casodex. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Casodex

Take Casodex exactly as your doctor has told you to. Do not take Casodex in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your treatment with Casodex will often be started at the same time that you take other medications for your condition, such as an LHRH analog.

Casodex is usually prescribed to be taken one time daily, either in the morning or the evening. You should try to take Casodex at the same time each day.

Casodex should be taken with a full glass of water.

Casodex may be taken with or without food.

Casodex needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat. Be sure to keep the bottle tightly closed in between use.

If you miss a dose of Casodex you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Casodex Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Casodex and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reactions like breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, mouth or tongue
• bleeding or bruising easily
• chest pain with a cough and trouble breathing
• fever and chills with body aches and flu symptoms
• jaundice symptoms like yellowed eyes and skin, nausea, itching, pain in your upper stomach, clay-colored stools and dark urine
• shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling in your feet or hands
• urine that contains blood

Less serious side effects of Casodex may include:

• back, joint or muscle pain
• breast tenderness and swelling
• constipation
• decreased libido
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• hot flashes
• impotence
• runny nose, sore throat and cold symptoms
• upset stomach
• urination that is increased during the night
• vomiting
• weakness
• weight changes

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Casodex. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Casodex Description and Dosing

The recommended dose of Casodex is one 50 mg tablet to be taken daily along with an LHRH analog.

Casodex is available as 50 mg tablets for oral administration, which are white, film-coated and identified on one side with “CDX50” and on the reverse side with the “Casodex logo”

Your doctor will tell you what the right dose of Casodex is for you, and how you should take Casodex along with other medications. You should not alter your dose without talking to your doctor first.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Casodex you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Casodex

Casodex is comprised of the main ingredient bicalutamide. The inactive ingredients of Casodex are lactose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, polyvidone, sodium starch glycollate and titanium dioxide

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.