Health Guides
Generic Casodex: Bicalutamide 50 mg for Prostate Cancer
Generic Casodex (bicalutamide 50 mg) explained: how it blocks testosterone in prostate cancer, how it is taken with hormone therapy, side effects and ordering.
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Generic Casodex is bicalutamide, a once-a-day tablet used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It has been used for many years, often alongside hormone injections, and is usually taken for months or longer. A generic version contains the same active ingredient and helps keep a long course affordable.
This guide explains how bicalutamide works, when it is used, how to take it, the side effects and checks to expect, how it differs from abiraterone and how to order generic bicalutamide 50 mg with your prescription. It is written for patients and carers in the US, UK, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Bicalutamide is prescribed and monitored by a urologist or cancer specialist, and this guide does not replace their advice.
Key takeaways
- Bicalutamide is the active ingredient in Casodex. It is an anti-androgen that stops testosterone from acting on prostate cancer cells.
- The 50 mg tablet is usually taken once a day together with hormone injections or implants.
- It is often started a little before or at the same time as those injections to prevent a short flare of symptoms.
- Breast tenderness, hot flushes and changes in liver tests are the main things to watch.
- Generic bicalutamide contains the same active ingredient as Casodex.
- A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
How bicalutamide works
Most prostate cancers need male hormones, mainly testosterone, to grow. Testosterone acts by attaching to androgen receptors on the cancer cells. Bicalutamide sits on these receptors and blocks them, so testosterone cannot switch on growth signals. It does not lower the amount of testosterone in the blood; it stops testosterone from working on the cancer.
Doctors use bicalutamide 50 mg mainly in advanced prostate cancer, together with a hormone injection or implant that lowers testosterone. When these injections are first started, testosterone can rise briefly and cause a short flare of symptoms such as bone pain. Taking bicalutamide for a few weeks around the first injection helps prevent this. In some cases, bicalutamide is continued alongside the injections for longer to block any remaining hormone.
How to take generic bicalutamide 50 mg
- Take one 50 mg tablet once a day, at about the same time each day, with or without food.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take two doses together.
- Keep taking it as prescribed, even if you feel well.
- Some men are prescribed a higher daily dose without injections. Only take the dose on your prescription.
Side effects and checks
Common side effects include:
- Breast tenderness or enlargement. This is common, especially at higher doses. Your doctor can discuss ways to prevent or treat it.
- Hot flushes, tiredness, dizziness and lower sex drive, particularly when combined with hormone injections.
- Stomach upset, such as nausea, constipation or diarrhoea.
Bicalutamide can affect the liver, so your doctor will usually check liver blood tests, especially in the first months. Contact your doctor if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, itching or pain in the upper right of your abdomen. Rarely, it can cause lung inflammation, so report a new cough or breathlessness. Bicalutamide can increase the effect of warfarin, so tell your team about every medicine you take.
Bicalutamide vs abiraterone
| Point | Bicalutamide 50 mg | Abiraterone 250 mg |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Blocks testosterone from acting on cancer cells | Stops the body from making male hormones |
| Usual daily dose | One 50 mg tablet | Four 250 mg tablets (1,000 mg) |
| Taken with | Usually hormone injections or implants | A steroid such as prednisone, plus hormone therapy |
| Food | With or without food | Empty stomach |
| Main checks | Liver tests | Blood pressure, potassium and liver tests |
The two are used at different stages and for different reasons, and your specialist decides which is right. Read our guide to generic Zytiga to learn more about abiraterone.
Generic Casodex: why it costs less
The original maker of a medicine prices it to recover the cost of research and trials. Once the patent ends, other makers can produce the same active ingredient without repeating that work, and competition lowers the cost. Generic bicalutamide 50 mg contains the same active ingredient at the same strength as Casodex 50 mg. The tablet may look different, but the dose is the same.
Our bicalutamide and related products
Our generic bicalutamide product is Calutide 50, bicalutamide 50 mg tablets. Our oncology category also includes Zecyte 250, abiraterone acetate 250 mg, for advanced prostate cancer.
How to order generic bicalutamide safely
- Get a valid prescription. Bicalutamide must be prescribed by your doctor or specialist. A valid prescription is required for every order.
- Check the strength. Make sure the product is bicalutamide 50 mg, matching your prescription.
- Order a sensible supply. Choose a pack size that fits your prescription and the expiry date, and reorder with three to four weeks to spare.
- Plan for delivery. Orders are shipped worldwide by EMS or registered mail in discreet packaging. See how to order.
- Keep your care team informed. Tell them which generic you take and keep your blood test appointments.
Our guide on how to buy generic medicines online explains each step in more detail. If you have a question, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Is generic bicalutamide the same as Casodex?
It contains the same active ingredient at the same strength. Only the look of the tablet and some inactive ingredients may differ.
How long will I take bicalutamide?
It depends on why it was prescribed. To prevent a flare it may be a few weeks; as part of ongoing treatment it can be much longer.
Can bicalutamide be taken without hormone injections?
In some situations a higher dose is used on its own. This is a specialist decision, so only take the dose and schedule on your prescription.
Does bicalutamide cause breast enlargement?
It can, particularly at higher doses. Tell your doctor early, as there are ways to prevent or reduce it.
Can I drink alcohol while taking bicalutamide?
Moderate drinking is not usually a problem, but ask your doctor, especially if you have liver problems.
Browse our full range of generic oncology medicines online, all supplied with a valid prescription.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace professional advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Medicines mentioned in this guide
All medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription. Prices shown are for the smallest pack.
About this guide
Written by the rxptteam8. We base our guides on official sources such as the NHS, the US FDA, the EMA and MedlinePlus, and we update them when guidance changes. Last updated .