Antiandrogens for Prostate Cancer

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Shortness of breath and chest pain.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Hives.
• Any signs of infection, such as a fever or chills.
• Breast pain or breast enlargement (Reference gynecomastia).
• Problems with your vision or night vision.
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet (edema).
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) or belly pain. This may mean the medicine has damaged your liver.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Hot flashes.
• Sexual problems, such as decreased sex drive or erection problems.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Dizziness or nausea.
• Fatigue or weakness.

Long-term treatment with antiandrogens may cause Reference osteoporosis Opens New Window, which causes bones to become brittle and break more easily. Your doctor may prescribe a bisphosphonate medicine. Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate specifically designed for people who are getting treatment for metastatic cancer.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.