Bicalutamide is used on its own, together with other medicines or in combination with radiotherapy or surgery to treat prostate cancer.
Take Bicalutamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your disease.
Bicalutamide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel well. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Bicalutamide must not be given to pregnant or breastfeeding women. This medicine is not meant for use in women, children or adolescents.
Do not take Bicalutamide with medicines for cold or allergy, or stomach disorder. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate to severe liver disease
- heart disease
- diabetes
- electrolyte abnormalities
- alcohol abuse
- family history of osteoporosis
You or your partner of childbearing age must use effective birth control method while you are taking Bicalutamide and for 130 days after stopping this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor’s advice. Other tests may also be needed depending on your condition, your doctor will advise you about these tests.
Bicalutamide may cause any of the following side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, stomach wind, hot flush, rash, hair loss, weight gain, decreased appetite, excessive hair growth, and swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- breast pain or enlargement
- worsening shortness of breath, cough or fever
- presence of blood in the urine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine, tiredness
- pale skin, cold hands and feet
- chest pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Bicalutamide with the following medicines:
- medicines for cold or allergy e.g. terfenadine, astemizole
- cisapride (medicine for stomach disorder)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone
- moxifloxacin (antibiotic)
- methadone (strong painkiller)
- medicines for mood disorders
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bicalutamide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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