Bicalutamide Tablets

Category: Non-steroidal anti-androgen (hormone therapy)
Form: Oral tablets

Uses:

• Used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, usually in combination with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue or surgical castration.

• Sometimes used as monotherapy in earlier stages of prostate cancer in selected patients.

Mechanism of Action:

• Bicalutamide blocks androgen receptors in prostate cells.

• Prevents the action of male hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) that stimulate prostate cancer cell growth.

• Helps slow down or stop tumor progression.

Administration:

• Taken orally once daily, with or without food.

• Dosage depends on disease stage and combination therapy.

Side Effects:

• Common: hot flashes, breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia), decreased libido, erectile dysfunction.

• Metabolic: weight gain, mild anemia, increased liver enzymes.

• Other: fatigue, gastrointestinal upset (nausea, constipation, diarrhea).

• Rare but serious: liver toxicity, interstitial lung disease, severe allergic reactions.

Precautions:

• Regular liver function monitoring is advised during treatment.

• Caution in patients with liver impairment.

• Should not be used in women or children.

• Patients should be informed about possible feminizing effects such as gynecomastia.

Summary:
Bicalutamide Tablets are a non-steroidal anti-androgen drug used primarily for the treatment of prostate cancer. By blocking the effects of male hormones on prostate tissue, it slows tumor growth. Given orally, usually once daily, it may cause side effects such as hot flashes, gynecomastia, sexual dysfunction, and liver enzyme changes. Monitoring liver function and patient response is essential during therapy.