CASODEX 50 is used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. It is used in combination with Luteinising Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) analogue therapy or surgical castration.
1. What CASODEX 50 is and what it is used for.
2. What you need to know before you take/use CASODEX.
Do not take CASODEX 50:
- If you are allergic to bicalutamide or any other ingredients of CASODEX 50.
- In women and children.
Take special care with CASODEX 50 in the following instances:
Before taking CASODEX 50 tell your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional:
- If you are suffering from any disorder or disease which affects your liver.
- If you are taking any other medicines including those which you have bought. In particular if you are taking oral anti-coagulants (to prevent blood clots).
- If you are suffering from diabetes.
While you are taking CASODEX 50 tell your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional:
- If you experience any problems that could be due to your liver, such as becoming jaundiced (yellowing of the skin and eyes) etc.
Taking CASODEX with food and drink:
Do not take CASODEX 50 with grapefruit juice as this may affect how CASODEX 50 works.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby, you should not take CASODEX 50.
Driving and using machinery:
Do not drive because CASODEX 50 could interfere with your ability to drive or use machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of CASODEX 50:
Lactose Warning: If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this CASODEX 50. Patients with the rare hereditary condition of galactose intolerance e.g. galactosaemia or glucose – galactose malabsorption should not take CASODEX 50.
3. How to take/use CASODEX.
Follow your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional’s instructions on how to take CASODEX 50 and ask them if you are unsure.
Do not share medicines prescribed for you.
If you feel that the effect of CASODEX 50 is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
The usual dose:
Adults: Take 1 tablet once a day.
If you forget to take CASODEX 50:
If you forget to take a dose, then take the dose as soon as possible or take the next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at the same time.
If you take more CASODEX 50 than you should:
In the event of an overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre.
If you are taking medicines on a regular basis, using CASODEX 50 at the same time with another medicine may cause undesirable interactions, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice.
4. Possible side effects.
CASODEX 50 can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for this medicine are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen while taking this medicine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice.
Contact your doctor or seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following, side effects that may occur frequently:
- blood in urine
- abdominal pain
side effects that may occur less frequently:
- serious breathlessness, or sudden worsening of breathlessness, possibly with a cough or fever. Some patients taking CASODEX 50 get an inflammation of the lungs called interstitial lung disease.
- severe itching of the skin (with raised lumps) or swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing.
- yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). These may be symptoms of liver damage.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects bother you:
The following side effects may occur frequently:
- tender or enlarged breast tissue
- hot flushes
- nausea
- itching
- feeling weak
- dizziness
- rash
- dry skin
- chest pain
- loss of appetite
- reduced sex drive
- impotence
- depression
- sleepiness
- indigestion
- flatulence
- loss of hair or hair re-growth
- weight gain
- puffiness/swelling
- reduced heart function, or heart attack
CASODEX 50 may also be associated with changes in your blood which may require your doctor to do certain blood tests. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
5. How to store CASODEX.
You should keep your tablets stored at or below 30°C. Store all medicines out of reach of children.
How to dispose of CASODEX 50?
Take all unused or expired medicines to your pharmacist, doctor or other health care professional.