Bicalutamide
(Casodex®, Bicalutamide)
Available as tablets or capsules.
Tablets
Available as soluble tablets?
No
Available as a liquid?
yes - unlicensed special
Available as something for placing under your tongue?
No
Available as something for placing on your gum?
No
Available as granules?
No
Available as a patch for putting on your skin?
No
Available as an injection?
No
Available as nasal/oral spray?
No
Safe or appropriate to crush
Where possible change to different drug, available in an injectable or implantable formulation. If this is not possible and continuation of bicalutamide therapy is considered appropriate consider obtaining a liquid special. Crushing tablets should be considered a last resort and should be done using a closed system where possible (e.g. crushing syringe). Clinicians should be aware that this is an unlicensed use of the medication.
Additional information for Healthcare Professionals+
Generic name
Bicalutamide
Usual formulation brand names
Casodex®
Is tablet/capsule specially coated?
Yes
Modified release
No
Film coated
Yes
Enteric coated
No
Sugar coated
No
Soluble tablet strength
-
Sublingual/buccal formulation strength
-
Granule strength
-
Transdermal patch strength
-
Injection strength
-
Nasal/oral spray Strength
-
Available as a licensed liquid or special?
No
Are specials or imports available?
Yes - oral suspension
Liquid strengths
Check with specials manufacturer
Is the liquid medicine sugar free?
Check with specials manufacturer
Licensed for administration via enteral tube
No
Advice on administration via enteral tube
Where possible change to different drug, available in an injectable or implantable formulation. Current resources suggest that it is likely to be safe to administer via enteral feeding tubes, however this is an unlicensed use of the medication. Clinicians should refer to specialist resources for advice on how to administer this medication via enteral feeding tubes.
Notes
Bicalutamide tablets should not be crushed or handled by pregnant women as the medication is a potent anti-androgen. Wear protective clothing to minimise contact with the medication.