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| Pronunciation |
|
 (bye
ka LOO ta
mide) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Casodex® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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|
Androgen |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to bicalutamide or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you are pregnant.
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|
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for treatment of prostate
cancer.
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|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Bicalutamide is a hormone. It prevents hormones produced by your body
from worsening the cancer.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- Take at a similar time
everyday.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with
healthcare provider.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
|
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|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Hot flashes. If these are bothersome then talk with healthcare
provider.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about stool softener or laxative.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Any rash.
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|
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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