This article describes possible side effects of bicalutamide oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about bicalutamide, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Bicalutamide oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Casodex.
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More common side effects of bicalutamide
Bicalutamide oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of bicalutamide oral tablet include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of bicalutamide in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of bicalutamide
Bicalutamide may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of bicalutamide oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of bicalutamide in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with bicalutamide oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
Bicalutamide oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of bicalutamide
Bicalutamide may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from bicalutamide oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with bicalutamide.
Serious side effects of bicalutamide oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of bicalutamide in detail” section below.
† This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.
‡ Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
§ An allergic reaction is possible with bicalutamide oral tablet. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.
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Common questions about side effects of bicalutamide
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of bicalutamide oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will I experience any side effects after stopping bicalutamide?
Typically, no. In studies of bicalutamide, there were no reports of side effects after stopping the drug. But some side effects may last for a while after stopping treatment. These include liver problems and breast tissue growth or breast pain in males*.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Does bicalutamide cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases bicalutamide oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with bicalutamide oral tablet include:
- liver damage
- breast tissue growth or breast pain in males*
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of bicalutamide may last.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Can bicalutamide affect fertility?
Possibly. Bicalutamide may cause changes in sperm, negatively affecting fertility in males*. It’s not known if these effects will continue long term after you stop taking the drug.
Due to this risk, males with female* partners who are of reproductive age (time period between the first menstrual cycle and menopause) should use effective birth control during bicalutamide treatment and for 130 days afterward. Note that, since this drug is for prostate cancer, only men would take it.
If you have more questions about the effects of bicalutamide on fertility, talk with your doctor.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” and “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Side effects of bicalutamide in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of bicalutamide oral tablet.
Hot flashes
In studies, hot flashes were common in people taking bicalutamide oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild.
With hot flashes, you can feel intense warmth that comes on suddenly. Other symptoms may include:
- redness, discoloration, or flushing on parts of your body, including the face, neck, ears, or chest
- sweating
- skin that’s warm to the touch
- fast heart rate
- tingling in the fingers
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of hot flashes, tell your doctor. They may recommend strategies or treatments to manage hot flashes.
Liver damage
In studies, liver damage was rare in people taking bicalutamide oral tablet. This side effect may be serious. Bicalutamide can also increase the risk of severe liver problems, including liver failure. The risk may be highest during the first 3–4 months of treatment.
With liver damage, you may experience symptoms such as:
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain
- unexplained tiredness or weakness
- nausea and vomiting
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark urine
- chills
- fever
- pain or tenderness in the upper right area of the stomach
Ways to manage
Due to this risk, your doctor may order tests to monitor your liver health before and during treatment. If you experience symptoms of liver damage, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely order tests to check your liver function. They’ll also determine whether you should stop taking bicalutamide.
Bleeding problems
In studies, bleeding problems were rare in people taking bicalutamide oral tablet. This side effect may be mild or serious, depending on the type or location of bleeding.
Taking bicalutamide with a blood thinner medication can increase the risk of serious bleeding problems.
Symptoms of bleeding problems may include:
- unexplained bruising
- nosebleeds
- bleeding from the gums
- coughing up blood
- bloody stool
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of bleeding problems, tell your doctor. They may recommend treatment and can determine if your medication needs adjustment or if you should stop bicalutamide. If you have severe bleeding symptoms, such as coughing up blood, bloody stool, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, call 911 to get emergency medical help right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.
For some people, bicalutamide oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to bicalutamide oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for bicalutamide
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking bicalutamide oral tablet.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take bicalutamide oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether bicalutamide oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking bicalutamide oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Bicalutamide and pregnancy
Bicalutamide oral tablet should not be taken during pregnancy. This drug is for prostate cancer, which is a condition that only affects males*. Bicalutamide is not approved for use in females*. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with bicalutamide.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Bicalutamide and breastfeeding
This drug is prescribed for prostate cancer, which is a condition that only affects males*. Bicalutamide is not approved for use in females*. It’s not known whether bicalutamide oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Bicalutamide oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
But your doctor may recommend that you avoid alcohol while taking bicalutamide. Both alcohol and bicalutamide can increase the risk of serious liver problems. If taken together, the risk can be even greater.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with bicalutamide oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of bicalutamide oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is my risk of hot flashes higher when I first start bicalutamide?
- Do I have a higher risk of liver problems than others?
- Does my risk of liver problems depend on the dosage you prescribe?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
