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Bicalutamide

Bicalutamide is a prescription film-coated medication used to:

  • Treat locally advanced prostate cancer in men who are at high risk of disease progression.
  • Used in combination with other medication to remove prostate gland
  • Treat prostate cancer in men whose cancer has not spread and surgical operation is not possible

Prostate cancer is men are often driven by the male sex hormone androgens and testosterone. It’s common in men who are 50 years of age and above. The development of prostate cancer increases with aging. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects men and is the leading cause of cancer death in US. The exact cause of this cancer remains unknown but it is believed that prostate cancer happens when some cells in the prostate gland becomes abnormal and mutate. The mutation in the abnormal cells causes the cells to grow abnormally. The accumulated abnormal cells forms tumor and invades the nearby cells.

Bicalutamide belongs to the group of drug known as non-steroidal androgens. Androgens are hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They are responsible for stimulating the tissues that develops male characteristics such as facial and body hairs and small breast. Androgen also promotes the growth of cancer cells by binding to and activating the androgen receptors. Once these receptors are activated, the androgen receptors stimulate the expression of specific genes that causes the cancer cells to grow.

Bicalutamide blocks the receptors of the androgen on the cell tissues like the cell on the prostate glands. The blocking effect of androgen stops the growth of the cancer cells and to prevent it from spreading. It is used with other medications like gonadotropin-releasing hormones or GnRH agonist. It specifically treats metastatic prostate cancer or prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Why Buy Bicalutamide?

Bicalutamide is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration since 1995 for the treatment of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It’s a cancer treatment drug available in the market as generic and brand names. Aside from being an anti-cancer medication, Bicalutamide is also used to treat excessive hair growth in women, treating early puberty in males, preventing an overly long-lasting erection in men and as a component for feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women.

This medicine is listed as one of the most effective and safest medicine needed in the health system by the Worlds Health Organization. It is well-absorbed in the stomach and its absorption is not affected by the foods. It is the most widely used anti-androgen for the treatment of prostate cancer and has been prescribed to millions of patients with prostate cancer.

How to Take Bicalutamide?

Bicalutamide comes in a tablet form that you need to take orally. The typical required dose is 50 mg once a day preferably in the morning or in the evening. You can take your medication with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with plenty water. Do not stop taking your medication without telling your doctor once your therapy with Bicalutamide has started. If you are using this drug along with Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone or LHLH analog take this at least 3 days before taking LHRH.

Take your medication exactly as directed. For a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double up your dose for the missed ones.

What are the side effects of Bicalutamide?

Bicalutamide may cause unwanted side effects which may affect individual in different ways. The most common side effects of Bicalutamide when given with an Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone or LHLH analog are:

  • Hot flashes
  • Facial flushing
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in the urine
  • Constipation
  • Feeling sick
  • Sleepiness
  • Weight gain
  • Indigestions
  • Weight gain

The side effects may become worse when you drink alcoholic beverages. LHRH analog may worsen diabetes and may increase the blood glucose.

Less common side effects are:

  • Breast enlargement
  • Breast pain
  • Depression
  • Impotence
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Chest pain
  • Loss of strength
  • Fluid retention

Uncommon side effects are:

  • Decrease in the number of platelets
  • Lung disease
  • Allergic reactions with symptoms like swelling of the face, throat, tongue and hives

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor as soon as possible:

  • Liver failure with symptoms like yellowing of the eyes and skin
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Lack of energy
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
  • Loss of appetite
  • Flu-like symptoms

The side effects listed may not include all reported side effects. Contact your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Things to Remember

  • Use this medication with care among patients with:
  • Diabetes
  • Moderate to severely decrease liver function
  • Do not use among:
  • Children
  • Women
  • Bicalutamide is only for men. Do not take this if you are a woman or you are pregnant as this drug can cause serious abnormalities to unborn baby. If you accidentally induce this medicine call your doctor immediately.
  • No dose adjustment is needed for patients with kidney problems.
  • Patients with a decreased liver function should use this with care as this drug can extensively metabolize in the liver. Its elimination is slower and this could lead to increased accumulation of Bicalutamide. Monitor your liver function regularly especially within the first 6 months of your medication.
  • Have your blood test before and after taking your medication to check your blood cells levels and how well your kidney and liver functions.
  • Anti-cancer medication can interact with some other medicines. To avoid any drug interaction inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication which includes over-the-counter drugs, non over the counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements.
  • This medication can cause infertility. If you think you want to have a baby, talk to your doctor if you want to have this treatment. You may be able to store sperm before starting your treatment with Bicalutamide. Your fertility usually returns to normal after a few months or a year of treatment.
  • Bicalutamide can block the androgen hormone so it won’t reach the receptor cells. However, this medication does not lower the androgen levels.

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