Bicahal 50 Tablet

Bicahal 50 Tablet is used in the treatment of cancer of the prostate gland. It may be also used to treat other conditions, as determined by the doctor. It works by blocking the effects of male hormones such as testosterone.

Bicahal 50 Tablet should be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time every day. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

Anemia (low number of red blood cells) is very common side effect of this medicine. Other than this, yellowing of skin, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, dark urine, and skin rashes are some side effects which require immediate action. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with liver function during treatment with this medicine. It makes your skin more sensitive towards sunlight, hence take extra caution while going out.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if have diabetes, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may harm your baby. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.  You may be asked for regular monitoring of blood glucose level while on treatment.

Prostate cancer

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Excessive hair growth

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Bicahal 50 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Bicahal 50 Tablet blocks the effect of the natural male hormones on the growth of prostate cells. Bicahal 50 Tablet also blocks the undesired effects of androgens in females such as excessive hair growth and acne.

Q: What if you forget to take Bicahal Tablet?
A: If you miss a dose of Bicahal 50 Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

You have been prescribed Bicahal 50 Tablet for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time every day.

It may cause your skin to become light sensitive. Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight and use sunscreen when outdoors.

If you are diabetic, monitor your blood glucose regularly while taking Bicahal 50 Tablet.

Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.

Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.

Q. Can Bicahal 50 Tablet cause infertility?

There is limited data to support that Bicahal 50 Tablet causes infertility. Bicahal 50 Tablet has been shown to affect fertility in animals and therefore it is assumed that it may cause fertility on humans. Some studies have shown that it affects spermatogenesis (origin and development of the sperm cells).

Q. What should I avoid while taking Bicahal 50 Tablet?

Skin sensitivity has been observed in some patients while taking Bicahal 50 Tablet. Therefore, you should avoid direct sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds. It is advised to use a sunscreen during treatment with Bicahal 50 Tablet.

Q. Is Bicahal 50 Tablet a form of chemotherapy?

No, Bicahal 50 Tablet is not a form of chemotherapy medicine, it is anti-androgen medicine. Androgens such as testosterone are natural male sex hormones. Bicahal 50 Tablet works by blocking the effect of androgens (testosterone) in order to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Q. Does Bicahal 50 Tablet cause hair loss?

Yes, Bicahal 50 Tablet may cause hair loss as it is a common side effect. However, this does not affect everyone. Consult your doctor, if hair loss is worrying you.

Q. What is Bicahal 50 Tablet prescribed for?

Bicahal 50 Tablet is used with another medication (gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists; such as leuprolide or goserelin) to treat metastatic prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body). Other than that, Bicahal 50 Tablet has been effective in treating hirsutism in patients with polycystic ovarian disease, though this is not an approved use.

Q. When should I take Bicahal 50 Tablet?

Bicahal 50 Tablet should be taken at the same time every day either in the morning or in the evening. Take it exactly as directed by your doctor.

Q. Can Bicahal 50 Tablet cause diarrhea?

Yes, Bicahal 50 Tablet can cause diarrhea though it is rare. Generally, constipation is more common with this medicine. Consult your doctor if it worries you.

Q. How long do I need to take Bicahal 50 Tablet?

Bicahal 50 Tablet tablets should be taken continuously for a minimum of 2 years or until the disease persists. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

Anemia (low number of red blood cells)

Rash

Abdominal pain

Constipation

Decreased appetite

Dizziness

Hot flashes

Nausea

Weakness

Nocturia (increased urge to urinate during the night)

Edema (swelling)

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Bicahal 50 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:UNSAFE

Bicahal 50 Tablet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor’s advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Information regarding the use of Bicahal 50 Tablet during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Driving:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether Bicahal 50 Tablet alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Bicahal 50 Tablet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Bicahal 50 Tablet is recommended.

Liver:CAUTION

Bicahal 50 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Bicahal 50 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advisable while you are taking this medicine.

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