Long Term Hormone Treatment with Casodex and Zoladex

Your doctor has advised you to have some treatment using hormones. Please follow these guidelines:

• You will either collect your tablets called Casodex from the hospital outpatients pharmacy, or they will be mailed to you. You will be given enough to last for four weeks. These tablets are taken to prevent your symptoms getting worse when you begin to have hormone injections.
• Casodex is the brand name for bicalutamide.
• Take one tablet every day.
• Zoladex is an injection, it is the brand name for goserelin.
• Make an appointment at your GP surgery to have an injection. You need to have the injection about two weeks after you have started taking the Casodex.
• The hospital doctor will write to your GP to tell them exactly which injection you will need. This should be the 4 week (3.6mg) injection.
• Have the first injection about two weeks after you have started taking the Casodex, and then continue to take the Casodex until you have used the four week supply.
• Take the Casodex tablets everyday without a break, including the day you have the first injection.
• When you have finished these tablets, you do NOT need a repeat prescription, but can stop taking the Casodex.
• After the first 4 week (3.6mg) injection arrange to have the Zoladex injections at your GP surgery every twelve weeks until the staff at the hospital tell you the injections are no longer necessary.
• Some doctors find it convenient if you take this information leaflet with you. It tells the doctor that you need the 4week (3.6mg) injection first, followed by the 12 weekly (10.8mg) injection, thereafter.
• Information leaflets about the use of hormone treatment are available at the hospital. If you have not received one, and would like to have more information about Casodex or Zoladex, please ask one of the staff for an information leaflet.
• Continue to take all other medication as usual unless the doctor asks you to make any changes.
• If you are unsure about the tablets or the injections, either ask your GP for advice, or telephone the hospital on 01223 596330 for guidance.

Week 1

Casodex

Week 2

Casodex

INJECTION (4 week injection, 3.6mg)

Week 3

Casodex

Week 4

Casodex

Injection at intervals of 12 weeks

Privacy & Dignity

Same sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one to one care is required.