Casodex (bicalutamide) is a brand-name drug prescribed to treat stage D2 metastatic prostate cancer in adults. Casodex comes as a tablet that’s typically taken once per day.

Casodex belongs to a drug class called androgen receptor inhibitors (also known as anti-androgens). Casodex is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Casodex, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Casodex, see this article.

Note: This article describes the typical dosage for Casodex provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Casodex, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Casodex’s recommended dosage.

Casodex form

Casodex comes as an oral tablet.

Casodex strength

Casodex comes in one strength of 50 milligrams (mg).

Typical dosage

The following information describes the dosage that’s commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for prostate cancer

Doctors may prescribe Casodex to treat stage D2 metastatic prostate cancer. With stage D2, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland to other organs.

The recommended dosage for this stage of prostate cancer is 50 mg taken once per day.

Casodex is typically taken along with a type of hormone therapy that lowers testosterone levels in the body. Examples include leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard) and goserelin (Zoladex).

For more information about your specific dosage of Casodex, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Casodex is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Casodex is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Casodex, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Casodex comes as a tablet that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the tablet in water. You may take your dose with or without food.

It may be helpful to take Casodex around the same time every day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Casodex can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Casodex in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Casodex, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you do not take more Casodex than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Casodex

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Casodex. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Casodex and dosage.

What’s the recommended maximum dosage of Casodex?

The maximum recommended dosage of Casodex is 50 mg taken once per day.

There have been clinical trials of Casodex at daily doses of 150 mg. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved this dosage for use in the United States.

If you have questions or concerns about your dosage of Casodex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long does it take for Casodex to start working?

Casodex starts to work after your first dose. Because of how Casodex works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your prostate cancer.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Casodex treatment.

The dosage in this article is the typical dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Casodex for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Casodex without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Casodex that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Casodex. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.