Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
bicalutamide
bicalutamide
What is the most important information I should know about bicalutamide?
What is the most important information I should know about bicalutamide?
Bicalutamide can harm an unborn baby if you father a child while using this medicine. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using bicalutamide and for at least 130 days (about 19 weeks) after your last dose.
What is bicalutamide?
What is bicalutamide?
Bicalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Bicalutamide is given in combination with another medicine called a luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. LHRH helps prevent the testicles from producing testosterone.
Bicalutamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bicalutamide?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bicalutamide?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to bicalutamide.
Use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Bicalutamide can harm an unborn baby if you father a child while using this medicine. Keep using birth control for at least 130 days (about 19 weeks) after your last dose.
Bicalutamide is not for use by women or children.
This medicine can cause birth defects if a woman takes it during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease; or
- diabetes.
How should I take bicalutamide?
How should I take bicalutamide?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Bicalutamide is usually taken once per day in the morning or evening.
Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
LHRH is given as an injection or a tiny implant injected through a needle under the skin around your navel. LHRH injections are given at intervals such as once every 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
You should not stop using bicalutamide unless your doctor tells you to.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your LHRH injection.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking bicalutamide?
What should I avoid while taking bicalutamide?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Bicalutamide could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
What are the possible side effects of bicalutamide?
What are the possible side effects of bicalutamide?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- breast pain or swelling;
- sudden chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
- low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet;
- liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fever, chills;
- high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
- (if you also take warfarin) unusual bruising or bleeding.
Common side effects may include:
- anemia;
- blood in your urine;
- fever, chills, flu-like symptoms;
- trouble breathing;
- hot flashes;
- pain in your back, pelvis, or stomach;
- swelling in your arms, ankles, legs, or feet;
- increased night-time urination;
- weakness, dizziness; or
- nausea, diarrhea, constipation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect bicalutamide?
What other drugs will affect bicalutamide?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect bicalutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about bicalutamide.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>
