Casodex (Bicalutamide) may be described as a type of hormonal therapy and is classified as a non – steroidal, anti – androgen medication.
Furthermore, Casodex (Bicalutamide) may also be described as a fine, white to off white powder which is practically insoluble in water and marginally soluble in chloroform and absolute ethanol.
Lastly, Casodex (Bicalutamide) may also be described as being sparingly soluble in methanol and easily soluble in acetone and tetrahydrofuran.
Casodex (Bicalutamide) is used to help in the effective treatment of advanced prostrate cancer (metastatic prostrate cancer Stage D2). This particular cancer is found to develop in the case of men, which then begins to spread to tissues around the prostate glands (locally advanced) as well.
Furthermore, Casodex (Bicalutamide) is also used to help effectively prevent the body from producing androgens (male hormones); however the amounts that already exist within the body are blocked by the correct administration of this medication.
Lastly, Casodex (Bicalutamide) is also used to help effectively reduce testosterone levels within the body. Without testosterone, the cancer cells within the body either grow very slowly or completely stop growing. Constant and correct administration of Casodex (Bicalutamide) may even cause cancer cells within the body to considerably shrink in size.
Casodex (Bicalutamide) is available in tablet form and in different strengths of 50mg and 150mg respectively which must be taken by mouth, once a day and either in the morning or evening only. This medication is administered in the case of prostate cancer which has spread to other parts of the body (advanced or metastatic cancer). Casodex (Bicalutamide) may be given in combination with luteinizing hormones or LHRH – A, which are other types of hormonal – therapy medications or a pituitary down regulator, such as Goserelin acetate, Buserelin, Triptorelin pamoate or Leuprorelin acetate. These medications along with Casodex (Bicalutamide), block the production of a particular hormone produced by the pituitary gland (leuteinising hormone), which in turn stimulates the production of testosterones with the body. However, for men with prostate cancer that is contained within the prostate gland (early prostate cancer) this medication may be administered as short – term treatment (a few weeks only) to prevent `tumor flare`. You must know that there may be a temporary increase in certain symptoms when one first commences treatment with a pituitary down regulator. Casodex (Bicalutamide) may be administered alone or post surgery or radiotherapy, but only after you have consulted your health care professional.
Furthermore, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Casodex (Bicalutamide) you do not understand. You must also be sure to take this medication exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue Casodex (Bicalutamide) without prior confirmation from your health care professional. However, you must also be certain to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your health care professional and only after you have received his consent.
Lastly, you must consult and reconfirm with your health care professional prior to commencing a course of Casodex (Bicalutamide), since you must be certain of taking the right potency prescribed by your health care professional in the case of this particular medication. You must also try and make it a point to empty your bladder prior to taking a dose; this helps the medication to take effect faster. However, in the case of a spinal cord metastasis, Casodex (Bicalutamide) must be administered approximately 5 – 7 days before you receive the luteinizing hormones or LHRH – A. This procedure is adopted to reduce or block the surge of testosterones produced within the body which occurs after receiving the luteinizing hormones or LHRH – A.
While on an ongoing course of Casodex (Bicalutamide) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.
Sometimes, Casodex (Bicalutamide) may cause the patient to experience swellings on the face, lips or tongue, a body ache, fatigue, skin rashes, nausea, dizziness, fever, insomnia, flatulence and vomiting.
Furthermore, Casodex (Bicalutamide) may cause the patient to experience a persistent sore throat or cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, an itching sensation, chills, a tingling sensation in the hands or feet, increased urination, breast tenderness or fullness, hot flushes and back pain.
Lastly, Casodex (Bicalutamide) may cause the patient to experience fluctuations in their weight, decreased sex drive or erectile complications, dry skin, weakness, constipation, hives, a loss of appetite and pale skin.
If you are on an ongoing course of Casodex (Bicalutamide) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.
Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Casodex (Bicalutamide) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products, whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.
Sometimes, Casodex (Bicalutamide) interacts with various medications, such as Astemizole, Warfarin, Cisapride and Terfenadine.
In case of an overdose of Casodex (Bicalutamide), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Your health care professional may order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Casodex (Bicalutamide), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take your prescribed dosage of Casodex (Bicalutamide) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery or you conceive whilst on a course of Casodex (Bicalutamide) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. It is unknown whether Casodex (Bicalutamide) passes into breast milk or not. You must also keep in mind that this medication must not be administered to any patient who has shown a hypersensitive reaction after use.
Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Casodex (Bicalutamide). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Casodex (Bicalutamide), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
It is important that you do not take a double dose of Casodex (Bicalutamide) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.
Casodex (Bicalutamide) is also used to effectively treat hirsutism which is a case of excessive and increased hair growth in the case of women, in areas on the body where the occurrence, let alone growth of terminal hair is normally minimal or completely absent, such as a beard or chest hair.
Furthermore, Casodex (Bicalutamide) is also used to treat ovarian cancer. But, you must first confirm with your health care professional whether this particular medication should be adopted for the treatment of this particular complication or not.
Lastly, you must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Casodex (Bicalutamide) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.
Store Casodex (Bicalutamide) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.
Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Casodex (Bicalutamide) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. But, speak with your pharmacist or health care professional, or consult your local waste disposal company about the proper method by which you can safely and effectively discard your unused Casodex (Bicalutamide) medication.
It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Casodex (Bicalutamide); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from diabetes, liver complications or other varied allergies.
Furthermore, while on an ongoing course of Casodex (Bicalutamide), diabetic patients should carefully monitor their serum glucose levels. If you are a patient taking this medication, you must be sure to drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you have been advised by your health care professional to do so otherwise.
Lastly, while on an ongoing course of Casodex (Bicalutamide), if you experience hot flashes, you must try and wear light clothing, stay in a cool environment and place a wet or cool piece of cloth on your head.