What is Bicalutamide and for what Bicalutamide is used?
Bicalutamide medication belong to Antiandrogen/Antineoplastic hormone class. Bicalutamide inhibits the action of androgens.
How to Take Bicalutamide
Take Bicalutamide exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Bicalutamide is generally available in market in the form Tablets for oral use 50 mg. Measure serum transaminase levels prior to starting treatment at regular intervals for the first 4 mo of treatment, and periodically thereafter. If clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of liver dysfunction occur (eg, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, "flu-like" symptoms, dark urine, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness), measure the serum transaminases immediately, in particular the serum ALT. If at any time a patient has jaundice, or their ALT rises above 2 times the ULN, immediately discontinue bicalutamide, with close follow-up of liver function.
Dosage Instructions for Bicalutamide Drug
Advanced prostate cancer in combination with a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analog. Safety and efficacy not established.
Interactions of Bicalutamide with other drugs
Warfarin: Prothrombin time may increase when bicalutamide is initiated in patients stabilized on chronic warfarin therapy.
What are the Side Effects of Bicalutamide -
Like other medicines, Bicalutamide can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Bicalutamide include
* Myasthenia; anxiety; depression; confusion; somnolence; nervousness; loss of libido; neuropathy.
* Dry skin; pruritus; alopecia.
* Hot flashes; gynecomastia; breast pain; diabetes mellitus.
* Anorexia; dyspepsia; rectal hemorrhage; melena; increased liver function enzymes
* Impotence; nocturia; hematuria; reduced sperm count.
* Arthritis; myalgia; leg cramps; hypertonia.
* Increased cough; pharyngitis; bronchitis; pneumonia; rhinitis; lung disorder.
Warnings and precautions before taking Bicalutamide :
* Instruct patient before using Bicalutamide to report the following symptoms to health care provider: dizziness, nausea, hypotension, urinary frequency, retention, painful urination, headache, seizures, weakness.
* Advise women before using Bicalutamide of childbearing potential to avoid becoming pregnant when taking bexarotene. Effective contraception must be used for 1 mo prior to the initiation of therapy, during therapy, and for 1 mo following discontinuation of therapy; it is recommended that 2 reliable forms of contraception be used simultaneously unless abstinence is the chosen method.
* Notify health care provider before using Bicalutamide if any of the following symptoms occur: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, "flu-like" symptoms, dark urine, jaundice, right upper quadrant tenderness.
* Bicalutamide and the LHRH analog will be initiated at the same time. Do not interrupt or stop taking these medications without consulting health care provider.
What if Overdose of Bicalutamide ?
If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Bicalutamide , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Temporary elevation of BUN, GI irritation, lethargy progressing to coma with minimal depression of respiration and CV function and without significant serum electrolyte changes or dehydration are may be the overdose symptoms of Bicalutamide .
What if Missed Dose of Bicalutamide ?
If you miss a dose of Bicalutamide medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage Conditions for Bicalutamide :
Store Bicalutamide at 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). Avoid exposing to high temperatures and humidity after the bottle is opened. Protect from light. Store tablets at controlled room temperature. Initiate therapy simultaneously with the LHRH analog. Bicalutamide may be taken without regard to meals.
By: ashu