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
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
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 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.
03Uses
Prostate cancer
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Excessive hair growth
04How To Use
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.
05How It Works
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.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
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.
07Side Effects
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)
08Safety Information
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.
09Drug Tips
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.
References
Sources and references
Moy B, Lee RJ, Smith M. Natural Products in Cancer Chemotherapy: Hormones and Related Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1766.
Chrousos GP. The Gonadal Hormones & Inhibitors. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 724.
Bicalutamide. Sellersville, PA: TEVA Pharmaceutical; 1995 [revised Jun. 2009]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: View
Bicalutamide. Capability Green: AstraZeneca UK; 2000 [revised 08 Feb. 2018]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: View
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 27 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: View
Bicalutamide [Prescribing Information]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2017. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024] (online) Available from: View
