<unk> , sold under the brand name Casodex among others, is an antiandrogen medication that is primarily used to treat prostate cancer. It is typically used together with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue or surgical removal of the testicles to treat advanced prostate cancer. To a lesser extent, it is used for early prostate cancer at a higher dosage as a monotherapy without castration.<unk>  is also used to treat excessive hair growth and scalp hair loss in women, as a component of feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women, to treat early puberty in boys, and to prevent overly long-lasting erections in men. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects in men include breast enlargement, breast tenderness, and hot flashes. Other side effects in men include feminization and sexual dysfunction. Some side effects like breast changes and feminization are minimal when combined with castration. While the medication appears to produce few side effects in women, its use in cisgender women is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at this time. Use during pregnancy may harm the baby.<unk>  causes elevated liver enzymes in around 1% of people. Rarely, it has been associated with cases of liver damage, lung toxicity, and sensitivity to light. Although the risk of adverse liver changes is small, monitoring of liver function is recommended during treatment.<unk>  is a member of the nonsteroidal antiandrogen (NSAA) group of medications. It works by selectively blocking the androgen receptor (AR), the biological target of the androgen sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It does not lower androgen levels. The medication can have some estrogen-like effects in men when used as a monotherapy due to increased estradiol levels.<unk>  is well-absorbed, and its absorption is not affected by food. The elimination half-life of the medication is around one week. It shows peripheral selectivity in animals, but crosses the blood–brain barrier and affects both the body and brain in humans.<unk>  was patented in 1982 and approved for medical use in 1995. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.<unk>  is available as a generic medication. The drug is sold in more than 80 countries, including most developed countries. It is the most widely used antiandrogen in the treatment of prostate cancer, and has been prescribed to millions of men with the disease.
Bicalutamide
Darolutamide
Topilutamide
Apalutamide
Nilutamide
Acetothiolutamide
Flutamide
Enzalutamide