Casodex is an anti-androgen. It works in the body by preventing the actions of androgens (male hormones).

Casodex is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Casodex 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.

Casodex is used to treat prostate cancer. This medicine should never be taken by a woman or a child.

Bicalutamide can harm an unborn baby if you father a child while using this medicine. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using Casodex and for at least 130 days (about 19 weeks) after your last dose.

Casodex can harm your liver. Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Take Casodex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Casodex 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 Casodex unless your doctor tells you to.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:

In combination with an LHRH analog: 50 mg orally once a day (morning or evening)

Comments:
-Therapy with this drug should be started at the same time as therapy with an LHRH analog.
-If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take the missed dose and do not double the next dose.

Use: For use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate

You should not use Casodex 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.

Casodex is not for use by women or children.

This medicine can cause birth defects if a woman takes it during pregnancy.

To make sure Casodex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease; or

• diabetes.

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.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Casodex 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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Casodex: 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 Casodex 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.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with bicalutamide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.