Bicalutamide: What It Is and How It Helps

Bicalutamide is an oral antiandrogen drug commonly used in men with prostate cancer. If your doctor mentioned bicalutamide, they’re trying to block testosterone’s effects on prostate tumors. It’s usually given alongside other treatments, like luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs, or after surgery in certain cases.

How bicalutamide works and who takes it

Think of bicalutamide as a blocker that sits on androgen receptors so testosterone can’t fuel cancer cells. Doctors prescribe it for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, or to reduce flare-ups when starting hormone therapy. It’s not a cure, but it can slow disease progression and reduce symptoms like bone pain or urinary problems.

Dosing basics, timing, and what to expect

Typical bicalutamide tablets come in 50 mg and sometimes 150 mg. Your doctor will tell you the exact dose based on your situation. You usually take it once a day, with or without food. Don’t skip doses—missing a few can lower the drug’s effectiveness. If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next dose; don’t double up.

It can take several weeks to see benefits. You might notice fewer urinary symptoms or less pain. Your doctor will monitor PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels and may order scans to check how the cancer responds.

Common side effects are hot flashes, breast swelling or tenderness, weight changes, and tiredness. Less common but serious effects include liver problems and allergic reactions. Your provider will check liver enzymes before and during treatment—report yellowing skin, dark urine, severe nausea, or persistent stomach pain right away.

Drug interactions matter. Tell your doctor about all prescription meds, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Some medicines can change bicalutamide’s levels or raise the risk of side effects. Your healthcare team will help adjust doses or choose safer alternatives.

Practical tips: store tablets at room temperature, keep them in the original container, and skip alcohol if you notice liver-related symptoms. If you’re planning surgery or medical procedures, tell the team you’re taking bicalutamide—some drugs affect bleeding or anesthesia choices.

Thinking about buying bicalutamide online? Be cautious. Use reputable pharmacies that require a prescription and have clear contact info. Avoid sites offering super-low prices without a prescription—those often sell counterfeit or unsafe meds. When in doubt, ask your doctor to recommend a reliable pharmacy.

If you have mood changes, new chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of liver trouble, seek care immediately. Keep a list of side effects and share it with your healthcare team at each visit. With proper monitoring and communication, bicalutamide can be a useful part of prostate cancer care.

Have questions about your dose or side effects? Talk to your oncologist or pharmacist—they can give advice tailored to your health and other medications.