Bicalutamide

Uses

Precaution

Side Effects

Handling

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Uses

What is Bicalutamide for?

Bicalutamide is used to treat prostate cancer.

How should I take or use Bicalutamide?

Take Bicalutamide once a day, preferably at the same time, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet/capsule whole.
- Do not break, chew or crush the tablet.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Bicalutamide?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

Precaution

What precautions should I take when taking or using Bicalutamide?

Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have any other medical conditions.
  You have any plans to start a family in the future.
  - Bicalutamide may have an anti-fertility effect, which could be irreversible. You should discuss fertility preservation options with your doctor before starting treatment.
If you have a partner who could become pregnant, you should use an effective birth control method during treatment and for at least 130 days after stopping Bicalutamide.

Side Effects

What are some common side effects of Bicalutamide?

The table below will list some of the common side effects as well as the rare but serious side effects.

Side Effect	Management
Hot flushes (sudden sweating and feeling of warmth)	Wearing light clothing, and staying in a cool environment may reduce these symptoms. Inform your doctor if these symptoms affect you significantly.
Nausea or vomiting	Take small and frequent meals. Avoid foods / smells that may make you feel nauseous, such as oily, fried or strong-smelling food. Avoid tight-fitting clothes around the waist. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve or prevent nausea or vomiting. Take these as instructed.
Feeling tired or lack of energy	Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired. Eat well and get enough sleep. Prioritize tasks to ensure you make the best use of your energy. Simple exercise such as walking can help to boost your energy. Avoid alcohol as this may cause you to feel more tired and drowsy.
Loss or reduced sexual desire, breast swelling or soreness	These are temporary and may go away after you have stopped treatment with (drug). Inform your doctor if these symptoms bother you.
Blood in urine	You may have blood in your urine while taking Bicalutamide. Please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice this.
Heart problems	Proceed to the A&E department immediately if you experience signs of heart problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, or sudden swelling of legs.
Liver problems	Proceed to the A&E department immediately if you experience any: Dark or tea-coloured urine Pale or light-coloured stools Yellowing of skin or eyes Nausea, vomiting with loss of appetite Severe abdominal pain
Symptoms of drug allergy including one or more of the following: Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue Difficulty in breathing Itchy skin rashes over your whole body	If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

It is normal to experience some side effects from Bicalutamide. As discussed with your doctor, taking Bicalutamide will be beneficial for your condition. Do not stop taking Bicalutamide without checking with your doctor.

Handling

How should I store Bicalutamide?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Bicalutamide safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

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What else should I know about Bicalutamide?

Tips to help manage your condition while you are on Bicalutamide

Exercise	Light exercise is recommended as it helps to improve mobility, balance, and even emotional well-being. Avoid strenuous exercise, and rest when you are feeling tired.
Adequate hydration	Have plenty of hydration with 2 to 3 litres of fluids per day unless you have been informed by your doctor to limit how much fluids you can drink. This will decrease your chances of getting constipation and prevent dehydration.
Medical and dental treatment	If you need to go into hospital for any reason other than cancer, always inform the doctors and nurses that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment. Talk to your cancer doctor if you think you need dental treatment. Always inform your dentist that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment.
Seek support if you feel overwhelmed	It is normal to feel fearful or worried about your condition. Do not be afraid to share your concerns with your healthcare team or loved ones. There may be resources and support available to help you.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.