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Bicalutamide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 25, 2023.

Applies to bicalutamide: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Bicalutamide

Along with its needed effects, bicalutamide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bicalutamide:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Bicalutamide

Some side effects of bicalutamide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to bicalutamide: oral tablet.

Other

Very common (10% or more): Pain (35%), asthenia (22%), peripheral edema (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Weight loss, weight gain, fever, chills, hernia, cyst[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Hot flashes (53%)

Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, hypertension, angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, coronary arrest, coronary artery disorder, syncope[Ref]

General

In patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with this drug in combination with an LHRH analog, the most frequent adverse reaction was hot flashes (53%).[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Constipation (22%), pelvic pain (21%), nausea (15%), diarrhea (12%), abdominal pain (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting, melena, rectal hemorrhage, dry mouth, dysphagia, GI disorder, periodontal abscess, GI carcinoma[Ref]

Hepatic

Common (1% to 10%): Increased liver enzyme test, alkaline phosphatase increased, elevated AST, elevated ALT, elevated bilirubin

Genitourinary

Very common (10% or more): Nocturia (12%), hematuria (12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, gynecomastia, impotence, breast pain, urinary frequency, urinary retention, urinary impaired, urinary incontinence, decreased libido, dysuria, urinary urgency, hydronephrosis, urinary tract disorder[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, hyperglycemia, bone pain, myasthenia, edema, BUN Increased, creatinine increased, dehydration, gout, hypercholesteremia[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Anemia (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Decreased hemoglobin, decreased white cell count

Postmarketing reports: Increased PT/INR due to interaction between coumarin anticoagulants and this drug; serious bleeding reported[Ref]

Renal

Common (1% to 10%): Elevated creatinine[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Back pain (25%)

Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, neck pain, leg cramps, myalgia[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, neuropathy, hypertonia[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Cough, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, rhinitis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lung disorder, asthma, epistaxis, sinusitis

Postmarketing reports: Interstitial lung disease (sometimes fatal) including interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis, most often at doses greater than 50 mg[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, sweating, dry skin, alopecia, pruritus, herpes zoster, skin carcinoma, skin disorder

Postmarketing reports: Photosensitivity[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Infection (18%)

Common (1% to 10%): Influenza syndrome[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Specified cataract[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety, depression, confusion, somnolence, nervousness[Ref]

Oncologic

Common (1% to 10%): Neoplasm[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Casodex (bicalutamide). Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.