Casodex
(bicalutamide)
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Helps treat metastatic prostate cancer.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Casodex (bicalutamide) treats later stages of prostate cancer in combination with another medication, but it can cause hot flashes.
Quick facts about Casodex
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (bicalutamide)
Upsides
- Available in a cheaper, generic version.
- The pill can be adminstered at home instead of injected at an infusion clinic.
- Safe for use even if you have kidney disease.
- Less side-effects than other medicines that work similarly.
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What to expect from Casodex, on one page
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Downsides
- Casodex (bicalutamide) doesn't control cancer as well as newer medicines that work similarly.
- Casodex (bicalutamide) damages the lungs and liver so not a good option if you have pre-existing lung or liver disease.
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What to expect from Casodex, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Casodex (bicalutamide) is a nonsteroidal androgen receptor block. It blocks the stimulatory effect that androgen hormones like testosterone have on cancerous prostate cells.
Quick facts about Casodex
- Drug class: Cancer
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (bicalutamide)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 30 (50mg) tablets of bicalutamide near
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Casodex (bicalutamide) for Prostate cancer
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- General pain
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Hot flashes
Side effect rates for Casodex (bicalutamide)
From 401 clinical trials of Casodex when taken for prostate cancer
- Hot flashes53%53%
- General pain35%35%
- Back pain25%25%
- Weakness22%22%
- Constipation22%22%
- Pelvic pain21%21%
- Infection18%18%
- Nausea15%15%
- Swelling in the limbs13%13%
- Labored breathing13%13%
- Diarrhea12%12%
- Excessive urination at night12%12%
- Blood in urine12%12%
- Stomach pain11%11%
- Anemia11%11%
- Dizziness10%10%
- Bone pain9%9%
- Rash9%9%
- Urinary Tract Infection9%9%
- Male breasts9%9%
- Chest pain8%8%
- High blood pressure8%8%
- Burning/tingling sensation8%8%
- Increased cough8%8%
- Inflammation of back of throat8%8%
- Headache7%7%
- Flu syndrome7%7%
- Increase liver enzyme test7%7%
- Indigestion7%7%
- Weight loss7%7%
- Muscle weakness7%7%
- Difficulty sleeping7%7%
- Impotence7%7%
- Gas6%6%
- Loss of appetite6%6%
- Vomiting6%6%
- High blood sugar6%6%
- Inflammation of bronchial tubes6%6%
- Sweating6%6%
- Breast pain6%6%
- Urinary frequency6%6%
- Increase alkaline phosphatase5%5%
- Weight gain5%5%
- Joint inflammation5%5%
- Anxiety5%5%
- Urinary retention5%5%
- Impaired urination5%5%
- Fracture4%4%
- Depression4%4%
- Pneumonia4%4%
- Stuffy nose4%4%
- Urinary incontinence4%4%
0%
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30%
40%
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80%
Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Casodex.
Casodex (bicalutamide)
Placebo
People taking Casodex felt side effect more
People taking Casodex felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Casodex (bicalutamide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Casodex (bicalutamide) can damage your liver. This is more likely to happen within the first 3 to 4 months of treatment. Your doctor will draw your blood regularly to monitor your liver function. Talk to your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, dark urine, or pale stools.
Common concerns from people taking Casodex (bicalutamide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Food
- Take Casodex (bicalutamide) at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the evening. It can be taken with or without food.
Kidneys and liver
- Safe for use even if you have kidney disease.
Pain
- Casodex (bicalutamide) causes enlargement of breast tissue in males, which causes pain and sensitivity. Talk to your doctor if you notice this occuring.