INTRODUCTION

BICALPRO 150MG contains Bicalutamide which belongs to the group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-androgens. It is indicated for the treatment of metastatic prostate carcinoma (stage D2) either alone or in combination with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs. Metastatic prostate carcinoma is the cancer of prostate gland, where the tumor growth has spread to different parts of the body.

Bicalutamide blocks the undesirable effects produced by androgens (male sex hormone) and inhibits the growth of cancer cells in prostate. This medicine is intended for use only in men. It can be taken with or without food. During this treatment, regular monitoring of serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is required to access the patient’s response. Bicalutamide might have an effect on male fertility which could be reversible. Consult your doctor if this is a concern for you.

Male patients who have a female partner who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 130 days after final dose. Treatment with this medicine can increase the sensitivity of skin towards sunlight. Avoid sunlight and sunlamps, and always consider using a sunscreen during this treatment. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver disease. BICALPRO 150MG is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

USES OF BICALPRO 150MG

• Treats metastatic prostate carcinoma

HOW BICALPRO 150MG WORKS

BICALPRO 150MG inhibits the growth of malignant prostatic tissue by competing with androgen for binding to androgen receptors. This blocks the action of androgens from adrenal and testicular origin and reduces the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take BICALPRO 150MG as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine as whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Try taking this medicine at the same time each day. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF BICALPRO 150MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Feeling sick (nausea):

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meal. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Constipation: 

Eat fibre rich foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

• medicines used to stop blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)
• terfenadine and astemizole (used to treat hay fever)
• cisapride (used to treat stomach problems)
• ciclosporin (used to suppress immune system)
• cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers)
• ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infection)
• calcium channel blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) such as amlodipine, verapamil

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT BICALPRO 150MG

Can BICALPRO 150MG cause anemia?

Yes. This medicine can cause anemia. Regularly monitor your blood counts and follow the instruction given by your doctor.

Can BICALPRO 150MG be discontinued abruptly?

No. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s advice. It may lead to unwanted side effects.

Can BICALPRO 150MG cause infertility?

Yes. This medicine can interfere with fertility in men. You might experience reduced sex drive or improper erection which is usually reversible.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Androgens and drugs for erectile dysfunction. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 302.

2. Beverly Moy, Richard J. Lee and Matthew Smith. Natural products in cancer chemotherapy: Hormones and related agents. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York Mc Graw Hill Medical 2011. Page 1766.

3. AstraZeneca. Bicalutamide (Casodex™) Versus Placebo in Patients with Early Prostate Cancer. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised on June 2012] [Accessed 29th October 2020] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00657904

4. G J Kolvenbag, G R Blackledge and K Gotting-Smith. Bicalutamide (Casodex) in the treatment of prostate cancer: history of clinical development. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. January 2008. [Accessed 29th October 2020] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9428389/

5. Elizabeth R. Kessler and Thomas W. Flaig. Geriatric considerations in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. NCBI; PMC National Library of Medicine, National institute of Health. May 2014. [Accessed 29th October 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017909/

6. Synthon BV. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on June 2013] [Accessed 29th October 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6653.pdf

7. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. U.S. Food & Drug Administration; [Revised on October 2017] [Accessed 29th October 2020] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020498s028lbl.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Prostate Specific Antigen (Free) PSA
• Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) PSA