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What is bicalutamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Bicalutamide is an oral medication that is used for treating cancer of the prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs called anti-androgens which includes flutamide (Eulexin) and nilutamide (Nilandron). Androgens (an example of which is testosterone) are hormones that are produced and released by the adrenal glands. They are responsible for supporting (stimulating) tissues that primarily are thought of as male, for example, the male prostate gland. Male traits that also are influenced by androgens include facial and body hair, and small breasts. Anti-androgens prevent the action of androgens by blocking the receptors for androgens on the cells of tissues, for example, the cells of the prostate gland. In addition to normal prostate cells, androgens also have been shown to stimulate the growth of cancer cells within the prostate. Bicalutamide is thought to prevent the growth of prostate cancer by blocking the effects of androgens on the cancer cells. Bicalutamide was approved by the FDA in 1995.
What brand names are available for bicalutamide?
Casodex
Is bicalutamide available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for bicalutamide?
Yes
What are the side effects of bicalutamide?
When bicalutamide and an LHRH analog are given together, the most common side effect is hot flashes (50% of patients) and facial flushing. Alcohol may worsen this reaction, and so it should be cautiously consumed.
Other common side effects of the combination are:
- infections,
- water retention,
- anemia
- diarrhea,
- constipation, and
- overall pain,
- pain in the back,
- hips, and
- stomach.
LHRH analogs may increase blood glucose and worsen diabetes. Less common side effects are
breast enlargement and breast pain, which may be due to the bicalutamide alone.
What is the dosage for bicalutamide?
Bicalutamide should be taken as one 50 mg tablet in the morning or evening at the same time each day. It may be taken with or without food. Once bicalutamide therapy has begun, it should not be interrupted or stopped without consulting a physician.
Is bicalutamide safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
NURSING MOTHERS: Bicalutamide is not used for treating women.
What else should I know about bicalutamide?
What preparations of bicalutamide are available?
Tablet: 50 mg.
How should I keep bicalutamide stored?
Bicalutamide should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).