Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Bicalutamide.
Abnormal heart rhythm: Bicalutamide can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., have heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels; have congenital long QT syndrome; or are taking medications that can prolong the QT interval, such as quinidine, procainamide, Amiodarone, Sotalol, Flecainide), discuss with your doctor how Bicalutamide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bicalutamide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Anemia: Bicalutamide may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Diabetes: Bicalutamide may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Bicalutamide.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Bicalutamide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bicalutamide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Bicalutamide may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Bicalutamide affects you.
Heart disease: The risk of heart attack or heart failure is increased for people taking bicalutamide. If you have risk factors for heart disease (Obesity, high blood cholesterol, smoking), discuss with your doctor how Bicalutamide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bicalutamide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Bicalutamide is broken down by the liver. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Bicalutamide to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Bicalutamide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bicalutamide, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Bicalutamide.
Bicalutamide may also cause liver problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin.
Lung disease: Rarely, and particularly when higher doses are used, cases of interstitial lung disease have been reported with Bicalutamide. If you experience any symptoms of lung problems such as breathing difficulties, wheezing, cough, fever, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately.
Osteoporosis: Long-term use of bicalutamide has been shown to cause reduced bone strength and may increase the risk of bone fractures. If you have osteoporosis or are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Bicalutamide may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bicalutamide, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Sensitivity to sunlight: Bicalutamide may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods of time, particularly between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, while you are taking Bicalutamide and for 7 days after completing treatment. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 50 or greater. If you notice any unusual skin rash or peeling, contact your doctor immediately.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Bicalutamide have not been determined for children.
