Calutide 50 Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Cipla 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 | 556 |
FAQ
When should I take Calutide 50?
Calutide 50 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.
Is Calutide 50 a form of chemotherapy?
No, Calutide 50 is not a form of chemotherapy medicine, it is anti-androgen medicine. Androgens such as testosterone are natural male sex hormones. Calutide 50 works by blocking the effect of androgens (testosterone) in order to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
What is Calutide 50 prescribed for?
Calutide 50 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, Calutide 50 has been effective in treating hirsutism in patients with polycystic ovarian disease, though this is not an approved use.
Can Calutide 50 cause infertility?
There is limited data to support that Calutide 50 causes infertility. Calutide 50 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).
What should I avoid while taking Calutide 50?
Skin sensitivity has been observed in some patients while taking Calutide 50. Therefore, you should avoid direct sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds. It is advised to use a sunscreen during treatment with Calutide 50.
How long do I need to take Calutide 50?
Calutide 50 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.
Can Calutide 50 cause diarrhea?
Yes, Calutide 50 can cause diarrhea though it is rare. Generally, constipation is more common with this medicine. Consult your doctor if it worries you.
Does Calutide 50 cause hair loss?
Yes, Calutide 50 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.
What if you forget to take Calutide Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Calutide 50, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Calutide 50 Tablet Reviews
Calutide 50 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.
Calutide 50 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 Calutide 50 Tablet Works
Calutide 50 blocks the effect of the natural male hormones on the growth of prostate cells. Calutide 50 also blocks the undesired effects of androgens in females such as excessive hair growth and acne.
How to Use Calutide 50 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. Calutide 50 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Calutide 50 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. Calutide 50 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 Calutide 50 Tablet
- Prostate cancer
Calutide 50 Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Calutide 50 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.
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Calutide 50. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Calutide 50 is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Calutide 50 is recommended.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Calutide 50 during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Calutide 50 should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Calutide 50 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advisable while you are taking this medicine.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Calutide 50 alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Quick Tips
- If you are diabetic, monitor your blood glucose regularly while taking Calutide 50.
- It may cause your skin to become light sensitive. Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight and use sunscreen when outdoors.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time every day.
- You have been prescribed Calutide 50 for the treatment of prostate cancer.
- 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.
- Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.
References
- Bicalutamide. Capability Green: AstraZeneca UK; 2000 [revised 08 Feb. 2018].
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- 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.
- 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.
- Bicalutamide. Sellersville, PA: TEVA Pharmaceutical; 1995 [revised Jun. 2009].
- Bicalutamide [Prescribing Information]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2017.