Casodex – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Casodex is a drug that is used to treat patients with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer needs testosterone, the male hormone, to grow.

Testosterone is also called an androgen. Casodex is a type of hormone drug called an anti-androgen, and it prevents testosterone from reaching the cancer cells. The drug can slow the growth of cancer, and in some cases, it can even shrink it.

Casodex’s generic name is bicalutamide.

Known health risks or side effects of Casodex

Casodex may cause common side effects such as:

• Back pain, joint or muscle pain, or pelvic pain
• Breast pain or swelling
• Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting
• Dizziness, weakness
• A headache
• Hot flashes
• Impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm
• Increased nighttime urination
• A runny nose, a sore throat, or other cold symptoms
• Weight changes

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

• Blood in your urine
• Body aches, chills, fever, or flu symptoms
• Chest pain, a cough or trouble breathing
• Clay-colored stools, dark urine, itching, jaundice/yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, or pain in the upper stomach
• Feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion)
• Pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
• Swelling in the hands or feet

List of organs that might be affected by Casodex

An overdose of Casodex may cause complications like an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing; hives; or the swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Casodex

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Casodex:

• Cayenne – Chili peppers or cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum) contain capsaicin, a substance that makes peppers spicy. Capsaicin also has prostate cancer-killing properties.
• Curcumin – Turmeric contains curcumin, a bioactive ingredient which has anticancer properties. Curcumin can help prevent prostate cancer by inducing cell death, reducing the expression of receptors for sex hormones (this helps interfere with cancer growth), and inhibiting the spread of cancer cells.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Cold water fish like herring, salmon, sardines, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Meanwhile, fats like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could be linked to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Consume several portions of cold water fatty fish weekly.
• Quercetin – The plant pigment quercetin give flowers, fruits, and vegetables their colors. Quercetin, which is also a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can help reduce the growth of prostate cancer cells. Additionally, it can stop substances called oncogenes from transforming normal cells into tumor cells.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Casodex

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Casodex:

• Chamomile tea – A cup of chamomile tea can soothe an upset stomach. The tea is an anti-inflammatory, and it can help the stomach muscles relax, which will minimize the pain caused by cramping and spasms.
• Peppermint – Peppermint can treat nausea and an upset stomach because its leaves have menthol, a natural analgesic/pain reliever. Drink a cup of peppermint or spearmint tea or smell some peppermint extract if you have an upset stomach.
• Prunes – If you’re constipated, have some prunes or drink prune juice. Prunes contain fiber and a sugar alcohol called sorbitol, a natural laxative. Consume at least 50 grams (g) or seven medium-sized prunes twice daily.

Where to learn more

• Herbal Tonic Recipe for Prostate Cancer and Prevention
• Potato virus found to activate an anti-tumor immune response; it works on its own or in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments
• Prostate Cancer – Discover five scientifically proven tips and prevent it naturally
• Prostate massage reduces cancer risk
• Scientists unable to find any proof that cancer drugs improve or extend life, prompting them to demand evidence before approval

Summary

Casodex is a drug that is used to treat patients with prostate cancer.

Casodex may cause common side effects such as back pain, joint or muscle pain, or pelvic pain; breast pain/swelling; constipation; diarrhea; upset stomach; or vomiting.

An overdose of Casodex may cause complications like an allergic reaction.

Cayenne, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin have similar effects to Casodex.

Chamomile tea, peppermint, and prunes can help prevent the side effects associated with Casodex.

Sources include:

CancerResearchUK.org

EMedicineHealth.com

Prostate.net

Healthline.com

MedicalNewsToday.com