Casodex 50mg Tablet 14’S

INTRODUCTION:

CASODEX 50MG contains Bicalutamide which belongs to the group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-androgens. It is indicated for the treatment of metastatic prostate carcinoma (stage D2) either alone or in combination with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs. Metastatic prostate carcinoma is the cancer of prostate gland, where the tumor growth has spread to different parts of the body.

Bicalutamide blocks the undesirable effects produced by androgens (male sex hormone) and inhibits the growth of cancer cells in prostate. This medicine is intended for use only in men. It can be taken with or without food. During this treatment, regular monitoring of serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is required to access the patient?s response. Bicalutamide might have an effect on male fertility which could be reversible. Consult your doctor if this is a concern for you.

Male patients who have a female partner who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 130 days after final dose. Treatment with this medicine can increase the sensitivity of skin towards sunlight. Avoid sunlight and sunlamps, and always consider using a sunscreen during this treatment. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver disease. CASODEX 50MG is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

USES OF CASODEX 50MG:

Treats metastatic prostate carcinoma

CASODEX 50MG inhibits the growth of malignant prostatic tissue by competing with androgen for binding to androgen receptors. This blocks the action of androgens from adrenal and testicular origin and reduces the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Take CASODEX 50MG as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine as whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Try taking this medicine at the same time each day. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CASODEX 50MG:

SERIOUS

• Liver problems (including yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, right upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, chills or fever)
• Allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing)
• Bleeding problems
• Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in males)
• Breast pain in males

COMMON

• Hot flashes
• Body pain
• Feeling weak
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Infection
• Nausea, dizziness
• Swelling in your arms, ankles, legs or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Blood in your urine
• Frequent urination at night
• Anemia
• Reduced sex drive

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS:

Feeling sick (nausea):

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meal. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Constipation:

Eat fibre rich foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS:

PREGNANCY

CASODEX 50MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING

CASODEX 50MG is strictly not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

KIDNEY

CASODEX 50MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER

CASODEX 50MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to bicalutamide.

INTERACTIONS:

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Medicines used to stop blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)
Terfenadine and astemizole (used to treat hay fever)
Cisapride (used to treat stomach problems)
Ciclosporin (used to suppress immune system)
Cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers)
Ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infection)
Calcium channel blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) such as amlodipine, verapamil

SYNOPSIS:

Drug : Bicalutamide
Pharmacological Category : Antineoplastic agent, Non-steroidal anti-androgens
Therapeutic Indication : Metastatic prostate carcinoma
Dosage Forms : Tablet

MORE INFORMATION:

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQ’s ABOUT CASODEX 50MG:

Q: Can CASODEX 50MG cause anemia?
A: Yes. This medicine can cause anemia. Regularly monitor your blood counts and follow the instruction given by your doctor.

Q: Can CASODEX 50MG be discontinued abruptly?
A: No. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor?s advice. It may lead to unwanted side effects.

Q: Can CASODEX 50MG cause infertility?
A: Yes. This medicine can interfere with fertility in men. You might experience reduced sex drive or improper erection which is usually reversible.