Casodex

[Cletom]

Does anyone have experience with Casodex?

I'm especially interested in potential side effects; have read much of what's online and it certainly is daunting, at the least.

[Justfor_]

I am taking a miniscule dosage of Casodex for the past 32 months now. Minimal side effects compared to Lupron and 2nd gen ARSIs. Only zero libido and danger of developing gynaecomastia if not combined with Tamoxifen from day one. On the positive side, Testosterone gets boosted up by 50% or more and gray cells get a whirl, i.e. the exact opposite of Lupron's brain fog. Dose adjustment keeps my PSA as low as I want it to be. In my case a real dynamite drug.

[Cletom in reply to Justfor_]

May I ask how you are reducing the dosage? Are you splitting the pills somehow? Also curious if you have had radical prostatectomy or have had radiation therapy and retain your prostate? So many questions; sorry

[Justfor_ in reply to Cletom]

In practice, due to the small size of the tablet, only splitting into two is feasible. So, my min quantity is 25 mg. But, due to the long half-life of Bicalutamide (~7days) lapse day administration can be implemented. My current dosage is 3 half 50mg tablets per 2 weeks. The schedule reiterates every 14 days sub-divided in 5 + 5 + 4 day installments, hence, easy to remember. It is a tad "overcritical" that is, more than the quantity needed to reach the equilibrium point (defined as the PSA stabilization dosage) thing that will probably lead me to use 25 mg every 5 days or 50 mg every 5+6=11days. The latter is probably the closest to the equilibrium needs, yet, the most cumbersome to remember and implement. For more detailed info, you can check my monthly updated thread:

healthunlocked.com/prostate...

Finally, I had RALP on May/2019 and ~2.5 years later acknowledged BCR at PSA of 0.17 and PSADT of 9.5 months.

[Tall_Allen]

Gynecomastia is pretty much guaranteed without tamoxifen.

[cesanon in reply to Tall_Allen]

(1) Are there any reasons not to take tamoxifen if you are doing androgen deprivation therapy.

(2) Are there any issues or counterindications if you use both tamoxifen and estrogen while undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.?

[Tall_Allen in reply to cesanon]

No

[NanoMRI]

I did one year only on Casodex, 150mg daily, as added insurance following my third treatment, salvage ePLND. I was 61, very fit, very active. Casodex was tough on me. Stole my energy and enthusiasm for athletic activity, my strong muscles declined, my emotions changed. An example, for reasons I cannot explain, I curtailed my mountain biking - I felt unsafe on the trails. I did experience tolerable gynecomastia (given battling this beast) despite having prophylactic RT.

[j-o-h-n]

FROM A AND i

Bicalutamide, sold under the brand name Casodex among others, is a medication primarily used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Like any medication, it can have side effects, which can vary in severity and occurrence. Here are some common side effects associated with bicalutamide (Casodex):

Hot flashes: These are sudden feelings of warmth, often in the face, neck, or chest.

Breast tenderness or enlargement: This can occur due to the anti-androgenic effects of bicalutamide.

Gastrointestinal effects: Including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.

Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common side effect.

Liver function abnormalities: Bicalutamide can sometimes affect liver function, leading to elevated liver enzymes.

Decreased libido: Some individuals may experience a decrease in sexual desire.

Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy can occur.

Fluid retention: This may manifest as swelling in the feet or lower legs.

Anemia: A decrease in red blood cell count may occur.

Weight changes: Some people may gain or lose weight.

It's important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects, and the severity can vary from person to person. Additionally, serious but rare side effects can include allergic reactions, lung disease, and changes in blood sugar levels. If you are prescribed bicalutamide (Casodex), your healthcare provider will monitor you for these potential side effects and adjust treatment as needed. <-------- NOTE

MY EXPERIECE WITH "CASODEX" (FOR MANY YEARS):

SOME OF THE ABOVE SIDE EFFECTS.

REPLACED BY NUBEQA AS OF APRIL 2023 (SO FAR LOWERING MY PSA)

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[j-o-h-n]

to Cletom... Good Idea to update your bio.... all info voluntary but it helps you and helps us too. Thank you!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n