Bicalutamide - an anti-androgen for men

About bicalutamide

Bicalutamide belongs to a group of medicines known as anti-androgens. This means that it blocks the actions of male sex hormones called androgens and it also reduces the amount of male hormones (such as testosterone) that your body produces.

In prostate cancer, the cancer cells need the male hormone testosterone to grow and multiply well. Hormone treatments like bicalutamide block the effect of testosterone on prostate cancer cells. This slows down the growth of the cancer. Bicalutamide also helps to reduce symptom 'flares' and side-effects from other treatments which may be used for the cancer, or following surgery.

Before taking bicalutamide

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking bicalutamide it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take bicalutamide

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about bicalutamide and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take bicalutamide exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack of tablets to remind you about what the doctor said to you. The usual dose is one tablet each day. There are two strengths of tablet available: 50 mg and 150 mg. The strength of tablet that you are prescribed will depend on whether you are also having other treatments.

• You can take bicalutamide tablets either before or after meals. Taking the tablet with a drink of water will help you to swallow it.

• Try to take the tablet at the same time of day each day. This will help you to remember to take your doses regularly.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it when you remember. If you do not remember until the following day then leave out the forgotten dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Please keep your regular appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to have some blood tests from time to time to check that your liver is staying healthy.

• Treatment with bicalutamide is often long-term. You should continue to take the tablets regularly unless you are told otherwise by your doctor.
  

Can bicalutamide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with bicalutamide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: bicalutamide can sometimes cause other side-effects such as breathing problems and allergic reactions. Although these occur less commonly than the ones listed above, they are symptoms that you should tell your doctor about as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store bicalutamide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines