Casodex (bicalutamide) is a brand-name tablet that’s prescribed for prostate cancer. As with other drugs, Casodex can cause side effects, such as hot flashes and weakness.

Casodex can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Casodex in clinical trials:

  • hot flash
  • pain, such as in your back, pelvis, or abdomen
  • weakness
  • constipation
  • infection

Mild side effects can occur with Casodex use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Casodex’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Casodex include:

  • constipation
  • flu-like symptoms
  • gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men)
  • headache
  • hot flash
  • infection
  • nausea
  • pain, such as in your back, breast, pelvis, or abdomen
  • shortness of breath
  • weakness

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note:After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Casodex and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Casodex may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Casodex’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Casodex, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Casodex can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Casodex tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Casodex may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Are there long-term effects of Casodex? Will I have side effects after stopping treatment?

Long-term side effects of Casodex are possible, although they appear to be rare. Long-term side effects can refer to side effects that begin after you’ve taken a medication for a long time. Or, it can mean side effects that continue even after you stop treatment.

Possible long-term side effects reported with Casodex include:

  • gynecomastia, which may continue throughout treatment but should go away if you stop taking Casodex
  • hepatitis or liver failure*
  • heart-related side effects*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about Casodex and long-term side effects.

Does Casodex cause specific side effects in older adults?

No, it’s not thought so. Studies of Casodex didn’t reveal specific side effects in older adults ages 65 years and older.

Older adults are more likely to take multiple medications, which may interact with Casodex, and are more likely to have health conditions, such as liver or heart problems. Since Casodex can cause liver- and heart-related side effects, you may be at higher risk of these side effects if you have an existing liver or heart problem.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how your health affects your risk of side effects if you take Casodex.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Casodex may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Casodex.

Hepatitis and liver failure

Hepatitis and liver failure were rarely reported in studies of Casodex. But these side effects can be serious. Most reports of liver-related side effects happened within the first 4 months after starting treatment with Casodex. But these side effects may occur at any time during treatment.

Symptoms of hepatitis can include:

  • jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes)
  • fatigue
  • dark urine
  • appetite loss

Sometimes, hepatitis doesn’t cause symptoms. But it may cause elevated liver enzyme levels. This is usually first noticed after your doctor orders a blood test to check your liver enzymes.

Symptoms of liver failure include similar side effects as hepatitis and can also include:

  • swelling in your abdomen or legs
  • pain in your upper right abdomen
  • itchy skin
  • nausea and vomiting

What you can do

Before you begin treatment with Casodex, your doctor should order a blood test to check your liver enzyme levels. They’ll continue to order these tests during your treatment and can provide more information on how often you’ll receive them.

They’ll also likely order these tests if you report symptoms of liver-related side effects discussed above. If you have jaundice or the results of these tests show elevated liver enzyme levels, your doctor may stop your Casodex treatment.

Heart-related side effects

While rarely reported in studies, heart-related side effects can occur with Casodex. These side effects can be serious.

Heart-related side effects of Casodex include:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD often doesn’t cause symptoms, but it can cause angina (a type of chest pain). It also raises your risk of a heart attack.
  • Heart attack. Symptoms can include:
    • pain, pressure, or tightness in your chest
    • chest pain that spreads to your arms, back, jaw, or neck
    • anxiousness that may resemble a panic attack
  • Heart failure. Symptoms can include:
    • shortness of breath
    • fatigue
    • swelling in your ankles and feet
  • Cardiac arrest. Symptoms can include:
    • racing heart rhythm
    • chest pain
    • fainting

Having existing heart disease, such as CAD or heart failure, may raise your risk of heart-related side effects if you take Casodex.

What you can do

Before prescribing Casodex, your doctor should review your heart health. They’ll likely discuss the risks and benefits you face from taking Casodex based on any heart conditions you may have. If you develop symptoms of CAD or heart failure during treatment, your doctor may consider having you stop taking Casodex. They can also recommend appropriate treatment for your heart-related side effect.

If you have symptoms of a heart attack or cardiac arrest, immediately get medical attention. These are life threatening medical emergencies requiring urgent treatment in a hospital or emergency room.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Casodex.

Other precautions

Before taking Casodex, discuss your health history with your doctor. Casodex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • heart condition, such as heart failure
  • liver condition, such as hepatitis
  • type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • alcohol consumption

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.