Bicalutamide is a hormone (antiandrogen) medicine used for prostate cancer. It blocks the effect of male hormones that can fuel the growth of some prostate cancers. You may receive it alone or with other hormone therapies.
Brand Name(s)
- US: Casodex
- Canada: ACH-Bicalutamide; APO-Bicalutamide; Casodex [DSC]; JAMP-Bicalutamide; PMS-Bicalutamide; PRO-Bicalutamide-50; TEVA-Bicalutamide
Warning(s)
- Serious liver problems can happen (rare). Watch for dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, severe tiredness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, or light-colored stools. These need urgent medical care.
- Lung problems can happen (rare). New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or fever need urgent medical care.
- Bleeding risk with warfarin and similar blood thinners. Unusual bruising or bleeding needs prompt attention. Your care team may check your blood more often.
- High blood sugar has occurred. Symptoms include extreme thirst or hunger, peeing more often, confusion, sleepiness, fast breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
- High blood pressure symptoms can include severe headache, dizziness, fainting, or vision changes.
- Severe allergic reactions can occur. Signs include rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; or chest tightness.
- Heart or fluid problems: shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or swelling in your legs or arms need prompt care.
- Urinary changes (not passing urine or blood in urine), chest pain, muscle weakness, or burning, numbness, or tingling sensations should be reported right away.
- Dizziness or sleepiness may occur. Avoid driving or tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
- Sun sensitivity can happen. Use sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds.
- Fertility: this drug may affect your ability to father a child. If your partner can become pregnant, use birth control during treatment and for 130 days after the last dose.
- Not for use in females. It can harm an unborn baby. Do not use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Drug interactions are common. Always tell your doctors, dentists, and pharmacists that you take bicalutamide. Lab tests and blood work may be needed while you take this drug.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Prostate cancer
- Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer
- Locally advanced prostate cancer, often used with other hormone therapies or radiation
Mechanism of Action
- Bicalutamide is a non-steroidal antiandrogen. It blocks androgen (male hormone) receptors on cancer cells.
- By stopping testosterone and dihydrotestosterone from attaching to these receptors, it slows or stops the growth of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer cells.
- It does not lower testosterone by itself; it prevents the hormone from triggering cancer growth.
Common Side Effects
- Hot flashes or a warm feeling
- Stomach problems: constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, gas, or decreased appetite
- Tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or sleepiness
- Increased sweating
- Back, bone, joint, muscle, or pelvic pain
- Headache
- Anxiety or flu-like symptoms
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Passing urine more often at night
- Breast enlargement or breast pain
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
Learn more: MedlinePlus: Bicalutamide
Last reviewed: 2025-12-15
