Bicalutamide 50mg

Bicalutamide 50mg — Uses and Benefits

Bicalutamide 50mg is used mainly for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer in men, usually combined with other treatments.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of advanced prostate cancer
• Used along with LHRH agonist therapy or surgical castration in some cases
• Sometimes used after surgery or radiotherapy as advised by the doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• Blocks androgen (male hormone) receptors on prostate cancer cells
• Prevents testosterone from stimulating growth of cancer cells
• Helps slow down or stop progression of prostate cancer

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for prostate cancer prevention in healthy men
• Not used in women or children
• Not a treatment for benign prostate enlargement (BPH)
• Not an emergency pain-relief medicine

This medicine should only be used under the supervision of a specialist doctor who monitors your response through regular check-ups and blood tests.

How to Use Bicalutamide 50mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Swallow the tablet whole with water
• Can be taken with or without food
• Take it at the same time every day to help you remember
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss doses often, tell your doctor

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink

Bicalutamide 50mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Hot flushes
• Breast tenderness or swelling (gynaecomastia)
• Weakness or tiredness
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhoea

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Loss of libido
• Dizziness
• Dry skin or itching
• Hair thinning
• Weight changes

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Severe stomach pain or dark urine
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Signs of allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Bicalutamide 50mg — Safety Information and Precautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to bicalutamide or any of its ingredients
• Are a woman or child (this medicine is meant only for adult men)
• Have severe liver disease, unless your doctor advises otherwise

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver problems
• Have heart disease or a history of heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
• Are taking blood thinners like warfarin
• Are diabetic or have any other chronic illness
• Are planning any surgery soon

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Medicines that affect liver enzymes (like cyclosporine, midazolam)
• Other hormone-based treatments
• Herbal or over-the-counter medicines — always inform your doctor about all medicines you take

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can this medicine be used by women?

No, bicalutamide is meant only for men and is not used in women.

How long do I need to take this medicine?

Treatment duration depends on your condition and response, and will be decided by your doctor.

Will this affect my liver?

• It can affect liver function in some people, so periodic blood tests may be advised by your doctor.
• This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should not be used without a doctor's prescription and supervision. Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.