Description

Calutide 50 mg (Bicalutamide): Why It Matters in Prostate Cancer Care

Calutide 50 mg tablet contains bicalutamide, a non‑steroidal anti‑androgen used daily in combination with a luteinizing hormone‑releasing hormone (LHRH) analog—or surgical castration—to treat stage D₂ metastatic prostate cancer. Calutide is also used off-label for other androgen-dependent conditions. 

🔍 What It Treats

• Metastatic prostate cancer (stage D₂), as part of combined androgen blockade with LHRH analogs. 50 mg once daily is the standard U.S. and international regimen.
• High testosterone “flare” prevention when starting LHRH therapy. 
• Off-label uses: androgen-sensitive acne or hair loss in women, PCOS hormonal control, feminizing gender-affirming therapy, or precocious puberty in boys. Doses vary.

⚙️ How It Works

Bicalutamide selectively blocks the androgen receptor in prostate tissue and other androgen-sensitive cells—preventing testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from fueling tumor growth. It does not reduce testosterone levels; instead, it blocks its action.

💊 Dosage & Administration

• The standard dose is 50 mg orally once daily, taken with or without food, ideally at the same time every day.
• Start Calutide on the same day as the LHRH analog or surgical castration to avoid tumor “flare‑up”.
• Missed Dose: Take the next dose at scheduled time—do not double. 
• Duration is determined by the treating oncologist; may be indefinite in metastatic or castration-sensitive disease.

⚠️ Common Side Effects

• In men: breast tenderness/growth (gynecomastia) and hot flashes are very common; up to 50–80% of men develop some degree of breast changes within 6 months. 
• Other effects: sexual dysfunction (low libido, ED), decreased energy, anemia, changes in body hair/fat distribution.
• GI or systemic: nausea, constipation/diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dry skin, rash. 
• Lab abnormalities: liver enzyme elevations in ~3–11% (discontinuation in ~1%); anemia in ~5%; rare lung toxicity (interstitial pneumonitis).

⚠️ Safety Precautions & Interactions

• Contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant—teratogenic, particularly to male fetuses. Contraception required. 
• Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment, as elimination half-life can increase nearly 1.75-fold. 
• Baseline tests—LFTs, CBC, thyroid (if long-term), and pulmonary evaluation if respiratory symptoms appear. Monitor LFTs monthly for the first 4 months, then periodically. 
• Bleeding risk increases when combined with warfarin—dose adjustment and monitoring necessary. 
• Avoid use in women who are breastfeeding—risk unknown in milk, minimal use indicated. 

✅ Why Choose Calutide 50 mg?

• Gold‑standard generic equivalent to Casodex (AstraZeneca).
• Single scored tablet (50 mg) supports flexible dosing for titration or tapering in long-term therapy.
• Widely accessible and affordable in India & global generics markets—high adherence due to once-daily regimen. 

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Calutide be used alone (without LHRH analog)?

No. For stage D₂ metastatic prostate cancer, bicalutamide 50 mg must be used with an LHRH analog or orchiectomy to prevent testosterone flare. Monotherapy is not approved in the U.S. 

2. How soon after starting treatment do side effects appear?

Hot flashes and breast changes usually occur within 3–6 months. Liver enzyme elevations are most common in the first few months of therapy. 

3. How frequently should I get blood tests?

Perform liver function tests monthly during the first 4 months, then every 3–6 months. Also monitor CBC and signs of lung or thyroid dysfunction. 

4. What if I miss a pill?

If missed by less than 12 hours, take it immediately. If it’s close to the next dose, skip it and resume normal schedule—do not double. 

5. Is long-term use safe?

When monitored properly, long-term bicalutamide is generally well-tolerated. However, regular follow-up for liver, thyroid, pulmonary, and blood count parameters is critical.