Bicalutamide

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Molecule Description

Bicalutamide is used to stop the progression of prostate cancer and as an add-on to other forms of treatment. It belongs to a class of medicines called ‘anti-androgens.’

Uses

To stop the progression of prostate cancer in adult men
Bicalutamide can be used alone or in combination with radiation or surgery or other medicines in advanced or high-risk prostate cancer which has not spread yet (non-metastatic prostate cancer)

Contraindications

When should one not use Bicalutamide

Allergy to this Bicalutamide or any excipients of the medicine
Astemizole and Terfenadine (anti-allergy medicines), Cisapride (improves stomach motility)
This medicine is not prescribed for use in women and children

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Skin rashes, breast pain and swelling, weakness
Low red blood cells (anemia), decreased hunger, reduced sex drive, fertility, impotence
Depression, feeling dizzy, sleepy, feeling hot, constipation, gas, indigestion
Feeling sick (nausea), hair loss or increased hair growth, dry skin, itching
Chest pain, swelling of hands and feet, weight gain, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, blood in the urine
Lung problems (causing breathing problems), cough and high fever (uncommon)
Severe allergic reactions that can cause facial and throat swelling causing breathing or swallowing difficulty with or without itching, rashes, skin peeling (serious, but rare)

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Bicalutamide is for use in males only. Use in females and children is not recommended.

Breast Feeding

Bicalutamide is for use in males only. No studies have been found for use in pregnant or breast-feeding females.

Driving

It is unlikely that Bicalutamide affects your ability to drive. This medicine may cause occasional sleepiness, be cautious if you experience any such symptoms.

Alcohol

Alcohol does not directly interact with Bicalutamide, but some of the side effects of this medicine include dizziness or drowsiness. Note that alcohol delays healing and is not suitable for cancer.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Liver, heart or blood vessel conditions
Do not try for pregnancy till 130 days after concluding the treatment with Bicalutamide

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Bicalutamide works by stopping testosterone (the primary hormone responsible for males) from acting on the prostate. Testosterone is thought to cause the growth of prostate cancer and preventing it from acting on the prostate gland will stop the tumor from growing, spreading and also leads to the reduction of its size.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Avoid Astemizole or Terfenadine (used in hay fever or allergy)
Cisapride (for stomach problems)
Use with caution
Medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems (Quinidine, Sotalol, Procainamide, Amiodarone)
Prevent blood clots (Warfarin)
Psychiatric illness (Risperidone, Clozapine, etc.)
High blood pressure (Verapamil, Diltiazem, Nifedipine)
Moxifloxacin (antibiotic), Methadone (for pain relief and deaddiction), Ketoconazole (antifungal), Cyclosporine (suppresses immune system), Cimetidine (to reduce stomach acid)

Interactions with food items

A person can take Bicalutamide with or without their meals.

Dietary Restrictions

Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.

Dosage

Overdose

Unintentional overdose with Bicalutamide may not be harmful. Inform your doctor in case of overdose symptoms such as dizziness, sleepiness, allergic skin reactions, yellowing of eyes or stomach discomfort.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Testosterone plays a role in the functioning of prostate and its levels are known to increase in prostate cancerIn clinical studies, lowering testosterone levels has shown to stop the growth of prostate cancer and reduce the size of the cancerous tumorBicalutamide does not lower testosterone levels but blocks the action of testosterone on prostateBicalutamide is not an anti-cancer medicine, but a useful medicine to control and treat prostate cancer and is given in combination with other medicines or radiation treatment

Usually, Bicalutamide has to be taken for long periods, until the progression of prostate cancer has stopped or for a minimum of 2 yearsChildren are advised to stay away from this medicineAvoid direct contact with sunlight, use protective clothing and sunscreen lotions as this medicine can cause increased sensitivity to lightBicalutamide should be consumed in the exact dose under medical supervision. Do not self-medicate, self-adjust the dosage or stop the medication suddenly as it may worsen your conditionThis medicine is generally used in aged male patients past their reproductive age, but you should keep in mind that using it for prolonged periods may decrease sperm count; this maybe reversible on discontinuing the medicine

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