Description

May induce torsade de pointes or QT prolongation if co-administered with class IA (e.g. quinidine) or class III (e.g. amiodarone) antiarrhythmic agents, methadone, antipsychotics, moxifloxacin. Enhanced anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Increased adverse effects when used with drugs that may inhibit oxidation (e.g. cimetidine, ketoconazole). May increase serum levels of ciclosporin and Ca channel blockers.

Anaemia; angioedema, urticaria; decreased appetite, DM, wt gain, dehydration, gout; decreased libido, depression, anxiety, hypertonia, confusion, neuropathy, nervousness, dizziness, somnolence; hot flush; abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, dyspepsia, flatulence, anorexia, rectal haemorrhage, dry mouth, melaena; hepatotoxicity, jaundice, hypertransaminasaemia; alopecia, hirsutism, dry skin, pruritus/rash, photosensitivity; haematuria, dysuria, urinary retention, impaired urination, urinary frequency; gynaecomastia, breast tenderness, erectile dysfunction; asthenia, oedema, chest pain, neck pain, fever, sepsis, chills, neoplasm; cough, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, rhinitis.

Pregnancy category X. Studies in animals or human beings have demonstrated foetal abnormalities or there is evidence of foetal risk based on human experience or both, and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit. The drug is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Nursing Mothers: Bicalutamide is not indicated for use in women.

Patient with decreased bone density, history of or risk factors for QT prolongation, diabetes, Moderate to severe hepatic and severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min).

Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment. Hepatic Impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. In patients with severe liver impairment (n=4), although there was a 76% increase in the half-life (5.9 and 10.4 days for normal and impaired patients, respectively) of the active enantiomer of bicalutamide no dosage adjustment is necessary. Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Bicalutamide in pediatric patients have not been established. Geriatric Use: In two studies in patients given 50 or 150 mg daily, no significant relationship between age and steady-state levels of total bicalutamide or the active R-enantiomer has been shown. Women: Bicalutamide has not been studied in women.

Long-term clinical trials have been conducted with dosages up to 200 mg of Bicalutamide daily and these dosages have been well tolerated. A single dose of Bicalutamide that results in symptoms of an overdose considered to be life threatening has not been established. There is no specific antidote; treatment of an overdose should be symptomatic. In the management of an overdose with Bicalutamide, vomiting may be induced if the patient is alert. It should be remembered that, in this patient population, multiple drugs may have been taken. Dialysis is not likely to be helpful since Bicalutamide is highly protein bound and is extensively metabolized. General supportive care, including frequent monitoring of vital signs and close observation of the patient, is indicated.

Hormonal Chemotherapy