What is bicalutamide?
Bicalutamide is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).
Bicalutamide is used together with another hormone to treat prostate cancer.
Bicalutamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about bicalutamide?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, or any other serious illness.
Bicalutamide is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medication that prevents the testicles from producing testosterone.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not stop taking bicalutamide without your doctor's advice. If you stop your treatment suddenly, your condition may become worse.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your prostate and liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, blood in your urine, or stomach pain with loss of appetite, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Bicalutamide should never be taken by a woman or a child.
Although bicalutamide is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bicalutamide?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to bicalutamide.
Bicalutamide should never be taken by a woman or a child.
To make sure you can safely take bicalutamide, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, or any other serious illness.
Although bicalutamide is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.