Bicalutamide - oral

Bicalutamide is used on its own, together with other medicines or in combination with radiotherapy or surgery to treat prostate cancer.

Take Bicalutamide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Bicalutamide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel well. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Bicalutamide must not be given to pregnant or breastfeeding women. This medicine is not meant for women, children or adolescents.

Do not take Bicalutamide with medicines for allergy or medicines for stomach disorder. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- liver disease
- heart disease
- diabetes

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may need need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.

Bicalutamide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, back pain, pelvic pain, difficulty sleeping, weakness, constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, hot fluash (sudden feeling of warmth over the face, neck, and chest), rashes, hair loss, chest pain, and swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

- breast pain or enlargement
- worsening shortness of breath, cough or fever
- presence of blood in the urine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- tiredness, pale skin

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Bicalutamide with the following medicines:

- medicines for allergy e.g. terfenadine, astemizole
- stomach medicine e.g. cisapride

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- stomach medicines e.g. cimetidine
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin
- medicines for fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole
- medicines for abnormal or irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone
- medicines for anxiety e.g. midazolam

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bicalutamide.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.