Open menu Close menu Open Search Close search
DRUGS INDEX | MANUFACTURERS INDEX | ANATOMY | GEOGRAPHY | USA STATISTICS | CHINA STATISTICS | RELIGION | JOBS

Casodex Tablets (Astrazeneca)



  • Description
  • Chemical Structure
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Indications and Usage
  • Contraindications
  • Warnings
  • Precautions
  • Drug Interactions
  • Adverse Reactions
  • Overdosage
  • Dosage and Administration
  • How Supplied



    - Drugs index
    - Manufacturers
    - Feedback

  • DESCRIPTION

    CASODEX ® (bicalutamide) Tablets for oral administration contain 50 mg of bicalutamide, a non-steroidal antiandrogen with no other known endocrine activity. The chemical name is propanamide, N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-[(4-fluorophenyl)sulfonyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-,(+-). The structural and empirical formulas are:

    Bicalutamide has a molecular weight of 430.37. The pKa' is approximately 12. Bicalutamide is a fine white to off-white powder which is practically insoluble in water at 37°C (5 mg per 1000 mL), slightly soluble in chloroform and absolute ethanol, sparingly soluble in methanol, and soluble in acetone and tetrahydrofuran.

    CASODEX is a racemate with its antiandrogenic activity being almost exclusively exhibited by the R-enantiomer of bicalutamide; the S-enantiomer is essentially inactive.

    The inactive ingredients of CASODEX Tablets are lactose, magnesium stearate, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvidone, sodium starch glycollate, and titanium dioxide.

    CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    Mechanism of Action:    CASODEX is a non-steroidal antiandrogen. It competitively inhibits the action of androgens by binding to cytosol androgen receptors in the target tissue. Prostatic carcinoma is known to be androgen sensitive and responds to treatment that counteracts the effect of androgen and/or removes the source of androgen.

    When CASODEX is combined with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue therapy, the suppression of serum testosterone induced by the LHRH analogue is not affected. However, in clinical trials with CASODEX as a single agent for prostate cancer, rises in serum testosterone and estradiol have been noted.

    Pharmacokinetics

    Absorption:    Bicalutamide is well-absorbed following oral administration, although the absolute bioavailability is unknown. Co-administration of bicalutamide with food has no clinically significant effect on rate or extent of absorption.

    Distribution:    Bicalutamide is highly protein-bound (96%). See Drug-Drug Interactions below.

    Metabolism/Elimination:    Bicalutamide undergoes stereospecific metabolism. The S (inactive) isomer is metabolized primarily by glucuronidation. The R (active) isomer also undergoes glucuronidation but is predominantly oxidized to an inactive metabolite followed by glucuronidation. Both the parent and metabolite glucuronides are eliminated in the urine and feces. The S-enantiomer is rapidly cleared relative to the R-enantiomer, with the R-enantiomer accounting for about 99% of total steady-state plasma levels.

    Special Populations

    Geriatric:    In two studies in patients given 50 or 150 mg daily, no significant relationship between age and steady-state levels of total bicalutamide or the active R-enantiomer has been shown.

    Hepatic Insufficiency:    No clinically significant difference in the pharmacokinetics of either enantiomer of bicalutamide was noted in patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic disease as compared to healthy controls. However, the half-life of the R-enantiomer was increased approximately 76% (5.9 and 10.4 days for normal and impaired patients, respectively) in patients with severe liver disease (n=4).

    Renal Insufficiency:    Renal impairment (as measured by creatinine clearance) had no significant effect on the elimination of total bicalutamide or the active R-enantiomer.

    Women, Pediatrics:    Bicalutamide has not been studied in women or pediatric subjects.

    Drug-Drug Interactions:    Clinical studies have not shown any drug interactions between bicalutamide and LHRH analogues (goserelin or leuprolide). There is no evidence that bicalutamide induces hepatic enzymes. In vitro protein-binding studies have shown that bicalutamide can displace coumarin anticoagulants from binding sites. Prothrombin times should be closely monitored in patients already receiving coumarin anticoagulants who are started on CASODEX.

    Pharmacokinetics of the active enantiomer of CASODEX in normal males and patients with prostate cancer are presented in Table 1.

    Table 1
    Parameter
    Mean Standard Deviation
    Normal Males (n=30)
    Apparent Oral Clearance (L/hr)
    0.320 0.103
    Single Dose Peak
      Concentration (µg/mL)
    0.768 0.178
    Single Dose Time to Peak
      Concentration (hours)
    31.3 14.6
    Half-Life (days)
    5.8 2.29
    Patients with Prostate Cancer (n=40)
    C SS (µg/mL)
    8.939 3.504
    C SS = Mean Steady-State Concentration

    Clinical Studies

    In a multicenter, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 813 patients with previously untreated advanced prostate cancer were randomized to receive CASODEX 50 mg once daily (404 patients) or flutamide 250 mg (409 patients) three times a day, each in combination with LHRH analogues (either goserelin acetate implant or leuprolide acetate depot).

    In an analysis conducted after a median follow-up of 160 weeks was reached, 213 (52.7%) patients treated with CASODEX-LHRH analogue therapy and 235 (57.5%) patients treated with flutamide-LHRH analogue therapy had died. There was no significant difference in survival between treatment groups (see Figure 1). The hazard ratio for time to death (survival) was 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.72 to 1.05).

    Figure 1 - The Kaplan-Meier probability of death for both antiandrogen treatment groups.

    There was no significant difference in time to objective tumor progression between treatment groups (see Figure 2). Objective tumor progression was defined as the appearance of any bone metastases or the worsening of any existing bone metastases on bone scan attributable to metastatic disease, or an increase by 25% or more of any existing measurable extraskeletal metastases. The hazard ratio for time to progression of CASODEX plus LHRH analogue to that of flutamide plus LHRH analogue was 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.79 to 1.10).

    Figure 2 - Kaplan-Meier curve for time to progression for both antiandrogen treatment groups

    Quality of life was assessed with self-administered patient questionnaires on pain, social functioning, emotional well-being, vitality, activity limitation, bed disability, overall health, physical capacity, general symptoms, and treatment related symptoms. Assessment of the Quality of Life questionnaires did not indicate consistent significant differences between the two treatment groups.

    INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    CASODEX is indicated for use in combination therapy with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue for the treatment of Stage D 2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate.

    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    CASODEX is contraindicated in any patient who has shown a hypersensitivity reaction to the drug or any of the tablet's components.

    CASODEX has no indication for women, and should not be used in this population, particularly for non-serious or non-life threatening conditions. Further, CASODEX should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. CASODEX may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. The male offspring of rats receiving doses of 10 mg/kg/day (plasma drug concentrations in rats equal to approximately 2/3 human therapeutic concentrations * ) and above were observed to have reduced anogenital distance and hypospadias in reproductive toxicology studies. These pharmacological effects have been observed with other antiandrogens. No other teratogenic effects were observed in rabbits receiving doses up to 200 mg/kg/day (approximately 1/3 human therapeutic concentrations * ) or rats receiving doses up to 250 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times human therapeutic concentrations * ).

    *Based on a maximum dose of 50 mg/day of bicalutamide for an average 70 kg patient.

    WARNINGS

    Hepatitis:    Rare cases of death or hospitalization due to severe liver injury have been reported post-marketing in association with the use of CASODEX. Hepatotoxicity in these reports generally occurred within the first three to four months of treatment. Hepatitis or marked increases in liver enzymes leading to drug discontinuation occurred in approximately 1% of CASODEX patients in controlled clinical trials.

    Serum transaminase levels should be measured prior to starting treatment with CASODEX, at regular intervals for the first four months of treatment, and periodically thereafter. If clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of liver dysfunction occur (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, "flu-like" symptoms, dark urine, jaundice, or right upper quadrant tenderness), the serum transaminases, in particular the serum ALT, should be measured immediately. If at any time a patient has jaundice, or their ALT rises above two times the upper limit of normal, CASODEX should be immediately discontinued with close follow-up of liver function.

    PRECAUTIONS

    General:

    1. CASODEX should be used with caution in patients with moderate-to-severe hepatic impairment. CASODEX is extensively metabolized by the liver. Limited data in subjects with severe hepatic impairment suggest that excretion of CASODEX may be delayed and could lead to further accumulation. Periodic liver function tests should be considered for hepatic-impaired patients on long-term therapy (See WARNINGS ).
    2. In clinical trials with CASODEX as a single agent for prostate cancer, gynecomastia and breast pain have been reported in up to 38% and 39% of patients, respectively.
    3. Regular assessments of serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) may be helpful in monitoring the patient's response. If PSA levels rise during CASODEX therapy, the patient should be evaluated for clinical progression. For patients who have objective progression of disease together with an elevated PSA, a treatment-free period of antiandrogen, while continuing the LHRH analogue, may be considered.

    Information for Patients:    Patients should be informed that therapy with CASODEX and the LHRH analogue should be initiated concomitantly, and that they should not interrupt or stop taking these medications without consulting their physician. Treatment with CASODEX should be started at the same time as treatment with an LHRH analogue.

    Drug Interactions:    In vitro studies have shown CASODEX can displace coumarin anticoagulants, such as warfarin, from their protein-binding sites. It is recommended that if CASODEX is started in patients already receiving coumarin anticoagulants, prothrombin times should be closely monitored and adjustment of the anticoagulant dose may be necessary (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Drug-Drug Interactions ).

    Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: Two-year oral carcinogenicity studies were conducted in both male and female rats and mice at doses of 5, 15 or 75 mg/kg/day of bicalutamide. A variety of tumor target organ effects were identified and were attributed to the antiandrogenicity of bicalutamide, namely, testicular benign interstitial (Leydig) cell tumors in male rats at all dose levels (the steady-state plasma concentration with the 5 mg/kg/day dose is approximately 2/3 human therapeutic concentrations * ) and uterine adenocarcinoma in female rats at 75 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 1/2 times the human therapeutic concentrations * ). There is no evidence of Leydig cell hyperplasia in patients; uterine tumors are not relevant to the indicated patient population.

    A small increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in male mice given 75 mg/kg/day of bicalutamide (approximately 4 times human therapeutic concentrations * ) and an increased incidence of benign thyroid follicular cell adenomas in rats given 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 2/3 human therapeutic concentrations * ) and above were recorded. These neoplastic changes were progressions of non-neoplastic changes related to hepatic enzyme induction observed in animal toxicity studies. Enzyme induction has not been observed following bicalutamide administration in man. There were no tumorigenic effects suggestive of genotoxic carcinogenesis.

    A comprehensive battery of both in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity tests (yeast gene conversion, Ames, E. coli , CHO/HGPRT, human lymphocyte cytogenetic, mouse micronucleus, and rat bone marrow cytogenetic tests) has demonstrated that CASODEX does not have genotoxic activity.

    Administration of CASODEX may lead to inhibition of spermatogenesis. The long-term effects of CASODEX on male fertility have not been studied.

    In male rats dosed at 250 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times human therapeutic concentrations * ), the precoital interval and time to successful mating were increased in the first pairing but no effects on fertility following successful mating were seen. These effects were reversed by 7 weeks after the end of an 11-week period of dosing.

    No effects on female rats dosed at 10, 50 and 250 mg/kg/day (approximately 2/3, 1 and 2 times human therapeutic concentrations, respectively * ) or their female offspring were observed. Administration of bicalutamide to pregnant females resulted in feminization of the male offspring leading to hypospadias at all dose levels. Affected male offspring were also impotent.

    *Based on a maximum dose of 50 mg/day of bicalutamide for an average 70 kg patient.

    Pregnancy:    Pregnancy Category X (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).

    Nursing Mothers:    CASODEX is not indicated for use in women. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when CASODEX is administered to a nursing woman.

    Pediatric Use:    Safety and effectiveness of CASODEX in pediatric patients have not been established.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    In patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with CASODEX in combination with an LHRH analogue, the most frequent adverse experience was hot flashes (53%).

    In the multicenter, double-blind, controlled clinical trial comparing CASODEX 50 mg once daily with flutamide 250 mg three times a day, each in combination with an LHRH analogue, the following adverse experiences with an incidence of 5% or greater, regardless of causality, have been reported.

    Table 2
    Incidence of Adverse Events
    (>/= 5% in Either Treatment Group)
    Regardless of Causality
    Body System
       Adverse Event
    Treatment Group
    Number of Patients (%)
     
    CASODEX
    Plus LHRH
    Analogue
    (n = 401)
    Flutamide
    Plus LHRH
    Analogue
    (n = 407)
    Body as a Whole
        Pain (General)
    142 (35) 127 (31)
       Back Pain
    102 (25) 105 (26)
       Asthenia
      89 (22)   87 (21)
       Pelvic Pain
      85 (21)   70 (17)
        Infection
      71 (18)   57 (14)
       Abdominal Pain
      46 (11)   46 (11)
       Chest Pain
      34  (8)   34  (8)
       Headache
      29  (7)   27  (7)
        Flu Syndrome
      28  (7)   30  (7)
    Cardiovascular
       Hot Flashes
    211 (53) 217 (53)
        Hypertension
      34  (8)   29  (7)
    Digestive
       Constipation
      87 (22)   69 (17)
        Nausea
      62 (15)   58 (14)
       Diarrhea
      49 (12) 107 (26)
        Increased Liver
         Enzyme Test **/*
      30   (7)   46 (11)
        Dyspepsia
      30   (7)   23  (6)
        Flatulence
      26   (6)   22  (5)
        Anorexia
      25   (6)   29  (7)
       Vomiting
      24   (6)   32  (8)
    Hemic and Lymphatic
        Anemia **/* **/*
      45 (11)   53 (13)
    Metabolic and Nutritional
        Peripheral Edema
      53 (13)   42 (10)
       Weight Loss
      30   (7)   39 (10)
        Hyperglycemia
      26   (6)   27  (7)
        Alkaline Phosphatase
         Increased
      22   (5)   24 (6)
      Weight Gain
      22   (5)   18 (4)
    Musculoskeletal
       Bone Pain
      37   (9)   43 (11)
       Myasthenia
      27   (7)   19  (5)
        Arthritis
      21   (5)   29  (7)
       Pathological Fracture
      17   (4)   32  (8)
    Nervous System
       Dizziness
      41 (10)   35  (9)
        Paresthesia
      31   (8)   40 (10)
        Insomnia
      27   (7)   39 (10)
        Anxiety
      20   (5)    9  (2)
       Depression
      16   (4)   33  (8)
    Respiratory System
       Dyspnea
      51 (13)   32  (8)
       Cough Increased
      33   (8)   24  (6)
       Pharyngitis
      32   (8)   23  (6)
       Bronchitis
      24   (6)   22  (3)
       Pneumonia
      18   (4)   19  (5)
       Rhinitis
      15   (4)   22  (5)
    Skin and Appendages
       Rash
      35   (9)   30  (7)
       Sweating
      25   (6)   20  (5)
    Urogenital
       Nocturia
      49 (12)   55 (14)
       Hematuria
      48 (12)   26  (6)
       Urinary Tract Infection
      35   (9)   36  (9)
       Gynecomastia
      36   (9)   30  (7)
       Impotence
      27   (7)   35  (9)
        Breast Pain
      23   (6)   15  (4)
       Urinary Frequency
      23   (6)   29  (7)
       Urinary Retention
      20   (5)   14  (3)
       Urination Impaired
      19   (5)   15  (4)
       Urinary Incontinence
      15   (4)   32  (8)
     **/* Increased liver enzyme test includes increases in AST, ALT or both.
    **/* **/* Anemia includes anemia, hypochromic- and iron deficiency anemia.

    Other adverse experiences (greater than or equal to 2%, but less than 5%) reported in the CASODEX-LHRH analogue treatment group are listed below by body system and are in order of decreasing frequency within each body system regardless of causality.

    Body as a Whole:    Neoplasm; Neck pain; Fever; Chills; Sepsis; Hernia; Cyst

    Cardiovascular:    Angina pectoris; Congestive heart failure; Myocardial infarct; Heart arrest; Coronary artery disorder; Syncope

    Digestive:    Melena; Rectal hemorrhage; Dry mouth; Dysphagia; Gastrointestinal disorder; Periodontal abscess; Gastrointestinal carcinoma

    Metabolic and Nutritional:    Edema; Bun increased; Creatinine increased; Dehydration; Gout; Hypercholesteremia

    Musculoskeletal:    Myalgia; Leg cramps

    Nervous:    Hypertonia; Confusion; Somnolence; Libido decreased; Neuropathy; Nervousness

    Respiratory:    Lung disorder; Asthma; Epistaxis; Sinusitis

    Skin and Appendages:    Dry skin; Alopecia; Pruritus; Herpes zoster; Skin carcinoma; Skin disorder

    Special Senses:    Cataract specified

    Urogenital:    Dysuria; Urinary urgency; Hydronephrosis; Urinary tract disorder

    Abnormal Laboratory Test Values:    Laboratory abnormalities including elevated AST, ALT, bilirubin, BUN, and creatinine and decreased hemoglobin and white cell count have been reported in both CASODEX-LHRH analogue treated and flutamide-LHRH analogue treated patients.

    Postmarketing Experience:    Rare cases of interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis have been reported with CASODEX.

    OVERDOSAGE

    Long-term clinical trials have been conducted with dosages up to 200 mg of CASODEX daily and these dosages have been well tolerated. A single dose of CASODEX that results in symptoms of an overdose considered to be life-threatening has not been established.

    There is no specific antidote; treatment of an overdose should be symptomatic.

    In the management of an overdose with CASODEX, vomiting may be induced if the patient is alert. It should be remembered that, in this patient population, multiple drugs may have been taken. Dialysis is not likely to be helpful since CASODEX is highly protein bound and is extensively metabolized. General supportive care, including frequent monitoring of vital signs and close observation of the patient, is indicated.

    DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    The recommended dose for CASODEX therapy in combination with an LHRH analogue is one 50 mg tablet once daily (morning or evening), with or without food. It is recommended that CASODEX be taken at the same time each day. Treatment with CASODEX should be started at the same time as treatment with an LHRH analogue.

    Dosage Adjustment in Renal Impairment:    No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Special Populations , Renal Insufficiency ).

    Dosage Adjustment in Hepatic Impairment:    No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Although there is a 76% (5.9 and 10.4 days for normal and impaired patients, respectively) increase in the half-life of the active enantiomer of bicalutamide in patients with severe liver impairment (n=4), no dosage adjustment is necessary (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , Special Populations , Hepatic Impairment , PRECAUTIONS and WARNINGS sections).

    HOW SUPPLIED

    50 mg Tablets.   (NDC 0310-0705) White, film-coated tablets (identified on one side with "CDX50" and on the reverse with the "CASODEX logo") are supplied in unit dose blisters of 30 tablets per carton (0310-0705-39), bottles of 30 tablets (0310-0705-30) and bottles of 100 tablets (0310-0705-10).

    Store at controlled room temperature, 20-25°C (68-77°F).

    Astrazeneca

    Manufactured for

    Astrazeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

    Wilmington, DE 19850

    By: IPR Pharmaceuticals Inc.

    Carolina, PR 00984

    Made in USA

    Rev 11-03    PCC 690200








    - To bookmark this page (add it to your favorites), please click the image to the left.
    - If you wish to link to this page, you can do so by referring to the URL address below this line.

    https://theodora.com/drugs/casodex_tablets_astrazeneca.html

    This page was last modified 30-JUN-07
    Copyright © 1995-2021 ITA all rights reserved.