Bicalutamide

Bicalutamide is used in the treatment of cancer of the prostate gland. It may be also used to treat other conditions, as determined by the doctor. It works by blocking the effects of male hormones such as testosterone.

Bicalutamide should be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time every day. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

Anemia (low number of red blood cells) is very common side effect of this medicine. Other than this, yellowing of skin, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, dark urine, and skin rashes are some side effects which require immediate action. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with liver function during treatment with this medicine. It makes your skin more sensitive towards sunlight, hence take extra caution while going out.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if have diabetes, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may harm your baby. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy. You may be asked for regular monitoring of blood glucose level while on treatment.

• Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer
Prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland that produces a fluid called seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperms in males. The most common symptom of prostate cancer is difficulty with urination, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Bicalutamide decreases or stops the growth of cancer cells by decreasing the amount of testosterone (natural hormone in males) in men. This also relieves difficulty in passing urine and makes it easier for you to urinate.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Samtide

• Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
• Rash
• Abdominal pain
• Breast enlargement in male
• Breast tenderness
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite
• Decreased libido
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Flatulence
• Hot flashes
• Increased liver enzymes
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Weakness
• Weight gain

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Bicalutamide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Bicalutamide blocks the effect of the natural male hormones on the growth of prostate cells. Bicalutamide also blocks the undesired effects of androgens in females such as excessive hair growth and acne.

• You have been prescribed Bicalutamide for the treatment of prostate cancer.
• Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time every day.
• It may cause your skin to become light sensitive. Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight and use sunscreen when outdoors.
• If you are diabetic, monitor your blood glucose regularly while taking Bicalutamide.
• Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.
• Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.

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