Bicalutamide Medicines

Bicalutamide is an antiandrogen medication used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Casodex

Bicalutamide

$5.32 per pill

50mg

Select pack

Bicalutamide Substance Profile

Bicalutamide is a non-steroidal antiandrogen most commonly prescribed for the treatment of prostate cancer. It belongs to the class of androgen-receptor antagonists and works by blocking the action of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone at the cellular level. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved bicalutamide in the mid--s for use in locally advanced or metastatic disease, and later for adjuvant therapy after surgery or radiation. The drug is marketed under several brand names, including Casodex, and is widely available as a generic tablet. Although its primary indication is oncology, clinicians also use bicalutamide off-label for hormone therapy in transgender women and for certain cases of androgen-dependent dermatologic conditions. Understanding its mechanism, dosing options, and safety profile helps patients make informed decisions when they buy bicalutamide online or fill a prescription through a trusted pharmacy.

What is Bicalutamide?

Bicalutamide is an androgen-receptor antagonist that falls under the broader pharmacological class of antiandrogens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved it in 1995 for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) followed with a similar indication two years later. The TGA subsequently listed the drug on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), confirming its safety and efficacy for men with locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent disease. By competitively binding to androgen receptors in prostate cells, bicalutamide prevents natural hormones from triggering tumor growth. The medication is supplied both as a branded product-most notably Casodex-and as an unbranded generic, making it accessible through our online pharmacy and many local dispensaries.

How Bicalutamide Works

Mechanism of Action

Bicalutamide binds with high affinity to the intracellular androgen receptor, occupying the hormone-binding pocket without activating the receptor. This antagonistic interaction blocks the downstream transcription of genes that drive prostate-cell proliferation.

Therapeutic Effects

Because the androgen receptor remains inactive, cancer cells lose the proliferative signal normally supplied by testosterone. Clinically, this translates into reduced tumor volume, slower disease progression, and, when combined with luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues, a marked decline in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Onset and Duration

Therapeutic effects usually become measurable within 2-4 weeks of daily dosing, as reflected by PSA reductions in clinical trials. The drug’s half-life is approximately 6 days, allowing steady-state concentrations to be reached after about three weeks of continuous therapy. Patients often experience sustained androgen blockade for the duration of treatment, which can extend months to years depending on disease response and tolerability.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Locally advanced prostate cancer - used in combination with LHRH agonists or orchiectomy.
Metastatic prostate cancer - as part of combined androgen blockade (CAB).
Adjuvant therapy - following radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy for high-risk disease. These indications are endorsed by the TGA, FDA, and EMA, each citing robust phase-III trial data.

Off-Label Uses

Bicalutamide is sometimes prescribed off-label for:

Hormone therapy in transgender women - to suppress androgen effects when combined with estrogen.
Androgenic alopecia - limited case series suggest modest benefit. These applications are not officially sanctioned by regulatory agencies, and clinicians must weigh benefits against potential risks.

Clinical Efficacy

The pivotal CS21 trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated a 30 % improvement in overall survival for patients receiving bicalutamide plus LHRH therapy compared with LHRH monotherapy. More recent meta-analyses in Lancet Oncology confirm that bicalutamide-based CAB reduces disease progression by roughly 25 % versus monotherapy, supporting its role as a cornerstone of prostate-cancer management.

Buying Bicalutamide from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for Australians who encounter stock shortages or costly brand-name prescriptions. By sourcing from licensed international partners, we ensure consistent availability while respecting local regulations.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Casodex - the well-known branded tablet, often priced at a premium.
Bicalutamide 50 mg - generic tablets offering comparable efficacy at a fraction of the cost.
Bicalutamide 150 mg - higher-strength option for specific oncology protocols.

Quality & Safety

We work exclusively with pharmacies that hold certifications from the World Health Organization (WHO) and conform to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, providing an extra layer of assurance for each shipment.

Pricing & Access

Generic 50 mg tablets typically run 45 % cheaper than the brand name, and we extend a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders. Transparent pricing tables are displayed on the product page, allowing you to compare costs before purchase.

Discreet Delivery

Orders shipped via our service arrive in unmarked packaging. Express delivery reaches most Australian capitals within 7 days, while standard shipping takes up to three weeks, both with tracking available.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Bicalutamide is supplied as oral tablets in 50 mg and 150 mg strengths. The tablets are film-coated, round, and indistinguishable from other over-the-counter pills.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Prostate cancer (combined androgen blockade): 50 mg once daily is the standard initiation dose.
High-risk adjuvant therapy: Some protocols increase the dose to 150 mg daily after a period of 50 mg, under specialist supervision.

These dosing examples reflect common clinical practice; the exact regimen must be personalized by a qualified healthcare provider.

Administration Guidelines

Take the tablet with a full glass of water. Food does not significantly affect absorption, so dosing can be performed with or without meals. If you miss a dose, swallow the missed tablet as soon as you remember unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose-do not double up.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Hot flashes - reported in up to 30 % of patients.
Gynecomastia - occurs in 15-20 % of men, sometimes requiring surgical correction.
Nausea and mild abdominal discomfort - seen in roughly 12 % of users.
Elevated liver enzymes - observed in about 10 % of cases; routine monitoring is advised.

Serious Adverse Events

Severe hepatic injury - rare but may present with jaundice, dark urine, or right-upper-quadrant pain; immediate medical evaluation is required.
Pulmonary embolism - isolated reports suggest a potential risk in vulnerable patients.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to bicalutamide or any excipients.
Significant hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B or C).
Patients concurrently using strong CYP3A4 inducers without dose adjustment.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) can raise plasma bicalutamide concentrations, potentially intensifying side effects.
Warfarin - bicalutamide may enhance anticoagulant effect; INR should be monitored closely.
Other antiandrogens - concurrent use may increase toxicity without added benefit.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Not indicated; animal studies show fetal harm. Women of childbearing potential should avoid handling crushed tablets.
Elderly: Dose adjustments are generally unnecessary, but hepatic function should be evaluated.
Renal impairment: No dose reduction is required for mild to moderate kidney disease; severe impairment has not been extensively studied.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does bicalutamide differ from flutamide? Bicalutamide has a longer half-life, more potent receptor binding, and a lower incidence of liver toxicity compared with flutamide, making it the preferred antiandrogen in most treatment algorithms.
When will I notice a change in PSA after starting bicalutamide? PSA levels typically begin to decline within 2 to 4 weeks, but the full therapeutic effect may not be apparent until 8 to 12 weeks of continuous therapy.
What should I do if I develop a breast lump while on bicalutamide? Report the symptom to your clinician promptly. Gynecomastia is common, and your doctor may adjust the regimen or suggest surgical consultation if the lump is painful or enlarges.
Can I take bicalutamide with my regular antihypertensive medication? No direct pharmacokinetic interaction has been documented, but it is prudent to review all concurrent drugs with your prescriber, especially if you are on CYP3A4-modulating agents.
Does food affect the absorption of bicalutamide? Food does not significantly alter bioavailability, so the tablet may be taken with or without meals according to personal preference.
Are there any dietary restrictions while using bicalutamide? No specific foods need to be avoided; however, maintaining a balanced diet supports overall liver health, which is important given the drug’s hepatic metabolism.
How often should liver function tests be performed? Baseline liver enzymes should be obtained before initiating therapy, followed by repeat testing every 3 months during the first year, then at least annually thereafter, or sooner if symptoms suggest hepatic injury.
Is bicalutamide safe for long-term use? Long-term studies spanning several years report sustained disease control with manageable side-effects for most patients, provided regular monitoring is performed.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing bicalutamide?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of liver disease, heart conditions, or clotting disorders.
- Any previous experiences with antiandrogen therapy.
- Specific treatment goals and concerns about side effects.

Disclaimer

The information provided about bicalutamide is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing bicalutamide for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing bicalutamide.