INDICATIONS

Casodex  is indicated for use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog for the treatment of Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate.

INSTRUCTIONS

Take Casodex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Casodex is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medication called a luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. This medication prevents the testicles from producing testosterone.

Treatment with Casodex and LHRH is usually started at the same time. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Casodex is usually taken once per day in the morning or evening. You may take the medicine with or without food. Try to take the medication at the same time each day.

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.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not stop taking Casodex without your doctor's advice. If you stop your treatment suddenly, your condition may become worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your prostate and liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you miss a dose - take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.

DOSAGE

The recommended dose for Casodex (bicalutamide) therapy in combination with an LHRH analog is one 50 mg tablet once daily (morning or evening), with or without food. It is recommended that CASODEX (bicalutamide) be taken at the same time each day. Treatment with Casodex (bicalutamide) should be started at the same time as treatment with an LHRH analog. 

STORAGE

Store at controlled room temperature, 20°-25°C (68°-77°F).

MORE INFO:

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

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain, cough or trouble breathing;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• blood in your urine; or
• nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
  
  Less serious Casodex side effects may include:

• hot flashes;
• breast pain or swelling;
• weakness, dizziness;
• back pain, pelvic pain, joint or muscle pain;
• increased nighttime urination;
• upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation;
• weight changes;
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm;
• dizziness, headache; or
• sore throat, runny nose or other cold symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Before taking Casodex, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, or any other serious illness. Casodex is given as part of a combination prostate cancer treatment with another medication that prevents the testicles from producing testosterone.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not stop taking Casodex without your doctor's advice. If you stop your treatment suddenly, your condition may become worse.

To be sure Casodex is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your prostate and liver function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, blood in your urine, or stomach pain with loss of appetite, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Casodex should never be taken by a woman or a child. Although Casodex is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.