bicalutamide at a glance
Medicine class
Non-steroidal anti-androgen
Main licensed use
Advanced prostate cancer with an LHRH analogue or surgical castration
How it is taken
Film-coated tablet swallowed whole with water
Food
Food does not have a clinically relevant effect on absorption
What is bicalutamide used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Advanced prostate cancer in adults, in combination with an LHRH analogue or surgical castration.
How does bicalutamide work?
Bicalutamide binds to androgen receptors without activating them. This blocks signals from androgens such as testosterone that can stimulate prostate-cancer cells.
bicalutamide preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg, 150 mg
How to take bicalutamide
Follow the specialist’s instructions and do not stop treatment without discussing it with the clinical team.
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water.
It may be taken with or without food.
Tell hospital staff that you take bicalutamide if admitted.
Sleepiness or dizziness can occur; do not drive or use machinery if affected.
bicalutamide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Hot flushes
- Breast swelling or tenderness
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea, constipation or abdominal discomfort
- Anaemia
- Fluid retention
- Reduced sex drive or erectile dysfunction
- Skin or hair changes
- Weight gain
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic swelling, hives or breathing difficulty
- Yellow skin or eyes or other signs of liver injury
- Severe or worsening breathlessness, sometimes with cough or fever
- Chest pain, symptoms of heart failure or an abnormal heart rhythm
bicalutamide in pregnancy
Bicalutamide is contraindicated in females. It may impair male fertility; patients and partners who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for the period afterwards specified by the specialist.
bicalutamide while breastfeeding
Bicalutamide is contraindicated in females and should not be used while breastfeeding.
bicalutamide interactions
A medication review is important before starting or stopping bicalutamide.
Warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants
Their anticoagulant effect may increase, raising bleeding risk; close clotting-test monitoring may be needed.
Terfenadine, astemizole or cisapride
Concurrent use is contraindicated because clinically important interactions may occur.
Ciclosporin
Bicalutamide may increase its effects; concentrations and clinical response may require monitoring.
Common questions about bicalutamide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is bicalutamide used for?
The selected product is licensed for advanced prostate cancer alongside an LHRH analogue or surgical castration.
Is bicalutamide chemotherapy?
No. It is hormone therapy called a non-steroidal anti-androgen.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.