Biprostiva 50mg Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Alkem Laboratories Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Bicalutamide (50mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Trifluoromethylbenzenes Derivative |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Androgen receptor antagonist |
| User Rating | 4.5 |
| User Reviews | 766 |
FAQ
What should I avoid while taking Biprostiva 50mg?
Skin sensitivity has been observed in some patients while taking Biprostiva 50mg. Therefore, you should avoid direct sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds. It is advised to use a sunscreen during treatment with Biprostiva 50mg.
What is Biprostiva 50mg prescribed for?
Biprostiva 50mg is used with another medication (gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists; such as leuprolide or goserelin) to treat metastatic prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body). Other than that, Biprostiva 50mg has been effective in treating hirsutism in patients with polycystic ovarian disease, though this is not an approved use.
Is Biprostiva 50mg a form of chemotherapy?
No, Biprostiva 50mg is not a form of chemotherapy medicine, it is anti-androgen medicine. Androgens such as testosterone are natural male sex hormones. Biprostiva 50mg works by blocking the effect of androgens (testosterone) in order to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
When should I take Biprostiva 50mg?
Biprostiva 50mg should be taken at the same time every day either in the morning or in the evening. Take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
Can Biprostiva 50mg cause infertility?
There is limited data to support that Biprostiva 50mg causes infertility. Biprostiva 50mg has been shown to affect fertility in animals and therefore it is assumed that it may cause fertility on humans. Some studies have shown that it affects spermatogenesis (origin and development of the sperm cells).
How long do I need to take Biprostiva 50mg?
Biprostiva 50mg tablets should be taken continuously for a minimum of 2 years or until the disease persists. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
Does Biprostiva 50mg cause hair loss?
Yes, Biprostiva 50mg may cause hair loss as it is a common side effect. However, this does not affect everyone. Consult your doctor, if hair loss is worrying you.
Can Biprostiva 50mg cause diarrhea?
Yes, Biprostiva 50mg can cause diarrhea though it is rare. Generally, constipation is more common with this medicine. Consult your doctor if it worries you.
What if you forget to take Biprostiva Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Biprostiva 50mg, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Biprostiva 50mg Tablet Reviews
Biprostiva 50mg 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.
Biprostiva 50mg 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.
How Biprostiva 50mg Tablet Works
Biprostiva 50mg blocks the effect of the natural male hormones on the growth of prostate cells. Biprostiva 50mg also blocks the undesired effects of androgens in females such as excessive hair growth and acne.
How to Use Biprostiva 50mg Tablet
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. Biprostiva 50mg may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Biprostiva 50mg Tablet
- In Prostate cancer: Prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland that produces a fluid called seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperms in males. The most common symptom of prostate cancer is difficulty with urination, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Biprostiva 50mg decreases or stops the growth of cancer cells by decreasing the amount of testosterone (natural hormone in males) in men. This also relieves difficulty in passing urine and makes it easier for you to urinate.
Uses of Biprostiva 50mg Tablet
- Prostate cancer
Biprostiva 50mg Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Biprostiva 50mg alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Biprostiva 50mg during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Biprostiva 50mg. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Biprostiva 50mg is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Biprostiva 50mg is recommended.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Biprostiva 50mg 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.
Liver
CAUTION
Biprostiva 50mg should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Biprostiva 50mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Quick Tips
- If you are diabetic, monitor your blood glucose regularly while taking Biprostiva 50mg.
- 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.
- 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.
- You have been prescribed Biprostiva 50mg for the treatment of prostate cancer.
- Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.
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.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Bicalutamide [Prescribing Information]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2017.
- Bicalutamide. Sellersville, PA: TEVA Pharmaceutical; 1995 [revised Jun. 2009].
- Bicalutamide. Capability Green: AstraZeneca UK; 2000 [revised 08 Feb. 2018].
- 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.