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Bicalutamide

Precautions

Before taking bicalutamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, diabetes, heart disease.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may harm an unborn or breastfeeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details. Male patients and their female partners should use reliable forms of birth control during and for 130 days after treatment with bicalutamide since this medication may damage sperm.

Side Effects

Hot flashes, breast swelling/tenderness/pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, weight changes, headache, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: increased thirst/urination, decreased sexual ability/desire, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, depression), swelling hands/ankles/feet, shortness of breath, increased coughing, numb/tingling skin, bone/joint pain, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, painful/bloody urination, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain.

This medication may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.