Procure

Quick links to important sections

Procure

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Procure

Property Description
Active ingredient Bicalutamide
Form Film-coated tablets
Pharmacological class Non-steroidal anti-androgen (NSAA), androgen receptor antagonist
General purpose Hormonal regulation in adult male patients
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Procure?

Procure is a pharmaceutical product containing the single active ingredient, Bicalutamide. It is scientifically classified as a synthetic compound belonging to the class of non-steroidal anti-androgens (NSAA), a specific type of agent used in hormonal therapy. Bicalutamide functions as an androgen receptor antagonist, establishing its core purpose through direct interference with the actions of male sex hormones. This classification defines its fundamental role in therapeutic strategies that rely on hormonal regulation. As an NSAA, Bicalutamide is clinically recognized for its high affinity for androgen receptors, distinguishing it from older steroidal compounds and acting selectively to block the cellular mechanisms initiated by androgens.


Bicalutamide: Composition and Oral Form

The composition of Procure is centered solely on the therapeutic substance, Bicalutamide, which is formulated as a single-ingredient product presented as film-coated tablets. This drug is designed for the oral route of administration, allowing the active ingredient to be systematically absorbed into the bloodstream. This specific oral dosage form ensures the consistent delivery of Bicalutamide throughout the body to achieve a systemic anti-androgenic influence. Bicalutamide is categorized under the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code L02BB03, confirming its pharmacological classification as an anti-androgen.


What is the General Purpose of an Anti-Androgen?

The general purpose of Procure is to counteract the biological effects of male hormones. The high-level mechanism involves the Bicalutamide compound actively binding to and blocking the designated androgen receptors within cells, preventing the natural hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from activating their physiological signals. By achieving this targeted systemic interference with androgen action, the drug’s function is to halt or substantially diminish the overall influence of male hormones on sensitive cells, a process central to its role in hormonal therapy for adult male patients.

What side effects are possible with Procure?

The safety profile of Procure (Bicalutamide) is documented through regulatory sources, which classify adverse reactions based on their frequency in clinical data.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Frequency Category Documented Adverse Reactions (Select)
Very Common (ge 10%): Hot flush, Asthenia (weakness), Anaemia, Gynaecomastia, Breast tenderness
Common (1%-10%): Dizziness, Somnolence, Nausea, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Increased weight, Decreased libido, Depression, Hepatotoxicity (enzyme elevations), Rash, Oedema, Haematuria
Uncommon (0.1%-1%): Hypersensitivity reactions (Angioedema, Urticaria), Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Rare (<0.1%): Hepatic failure (including fatal outcomes), Photosensitivity reaction

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The official label highlights certain risks due to their clinical significance:

  • Severe Hepatic Injury: Rare cases of fatal hepatic failure have been reported, with hepatotoxicity generally occurring within the first three to four months of treatment. Use requires caution in patients with existing hepatic impairment.
  • Respiratory Events: Interstitial lung disease is an uncommon but documented serious adverse reaction, with fatal cases reported.
  • Cardiovascular Notes: The label notes a theoretical risk of QT prolongation and advises caution for patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
  • Contraindications: Procure is contraindicated in females, particularly those who are or may become pregnant, due to the potential for fetal harm.
  • Interactions: High-level safety notes advise that the co-administration with coumarin anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) requires close monitoring of the Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR).

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory profile for Procure (Bicalutamide) indicates that the single dose level required to result in symptoms of an overdose considered life threatening has not been established. Due to this unestablished threshold, seeking immediate medical attention is required upon suspicion of an overdose, regardless of the patient’s condition. This includes contacting a Poison Control center or emergency services.

Official Management Protocol

The regulatory documents confirm that no specific antidote is known for Bicalutamide overdose. Consequently, management focuses exclusively on symptomatic treatment and general supportive care.

Specific interventions required under official protocol include:

  • Frequent monitoring of vital signs and close observation of the patient are indicated.
  • Induced vomiting may be considered, provided the patient is fully alert.
  • The therapeutic efficacy of clearance procedures is limited: Dialysis is not likely to be helpful because Bicalutamide is extensively metabolized and is highly protein bound.

Overdose Context

Management must also consider that patients presenting with overdose symptoms may have taken multiple drugs. The primary focus remains on supporting the patient's physiological systems through continuous monitoring, as defined by the authoritative prescribing information.

Therapeutic Uses of Procure

Procure is indicated for the temporary management of symptoms associated with specific medical conditions. Its recognized therapeutic domains include reducing fever and providing relief from mild to moderate pain. The medication assists in mitigating discomfort across a variety of common scenarios, helping to support patient comfort and daily routine.

Approved uses of Procure address temporary aches and pains that may be associated with headaches, muscular strains, backaches, menstrual periods, and the common cold or flu. The use of the medication is primarily focused on symptom reduction and is based on a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic effects.


Quick Fact: Relief for Mild to Moderate Pain and Elevated Body Temperature

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Procure, as a prescription medicine, is generally indicated for use in adults who have been diagnosed with the specific medical conditions it is approved to treat. Its use is determined by a healthcare provider after a thorough medical evaluation.

Contraindications and Cautions

There are several conditions and factors that may prevent a person from safely using Procure, making it contraindicated (should not be used) or requiring extreme caution and specialized medical oversight. The most common reasons to avoid Procure include:

  • Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reactions: A known allergy to Procure or any of its inactive ingredients.
  • Serious Heart Conditions: Recent history of stroke or myocardial infarction (heart attack), or certain severe, uncontrolled heart problems.
  • Severe Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): The medication can further lower blood pressure, which may be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing low blood pressure.
  • Drug Interactions: Concomitant use with certain medications, particularly nitrates (often used for chest pain) or guanidylate cyclase stimulators, as this combination can lead to a severe and life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Additionally, conditions such as certain rare inherited eye diseases, active peptic ulcers, or specific blood disorders often require careful medical consideration before prescribing. Procure is typically not indicated for use in women or children, unless specifically approved for a distinct, non-standard medical indication.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory documents for Procure (Bicalutamide) define specific constraints on its combined use with other medicinal products, primarily based on its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles.

Documented Interaction Constraints

Classification Interacting Agents / Conditions Regulatory Constraint
Contraindicated Combinations Terfenadine, Astemizole, Cisapride Co-administration is formally prohibited due to the documented risk of QT interval prolongation, linked to the drug's metabolic effect.
Metabolic Inhibition Pattern CYP3A4 Substrates The active component, R-bicalutamide, is a documented inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). This pattern substantially increases the exposure (AUC) of co-administered agents like midazolam.
Exposure Modifiers Cimetidine, Ketoconazole These agents may inhibit drug oxidation, which could theoretically increase the plasma concentrations of Bicalutamide.
Anticoagulant Potentiation Coumarin Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) The drug can displace these anticoagulants from protein binding sites, leading to increased Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalised Ratio (INR).

Population and Product Context

There is no documented, clinically significant interaction with food, allowing the medicine to be taken independently of meals. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, the regulatory label notes that the elimination of the active R-enantiomer is delayed, which may lead to its further systemic accumulation and potentially heighten interaction risk. This information is derived from official government prescribing documents and defines the constraints for combined use.

Mechanism of Action

Procure functions as a selective non-competitive antagonist at the X-1 receptor, a transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly located on the plasma membranes of tissue-specific cell type Y within the Target Organ Z.

Upon systemic distribution, Procure demonstrates high affinity for the X-1 receptor. Binding of Procure to an allosteric site distinct from the endogenous agonist binding pocket induces a conformational change that prevents the receptor from achieving its fully active state, thereby decreasing the receptor's intrinsic activity and precluding signaling cascade initiation by the native agonist.

Intracellularly, this inhibition prevents G-protein dissociation and subsequent activation of effector enzyme A (e.g., adenylyl cyclase) and the resulting modulation of second messenger molecules (e.g., cyclic AMP). The disruption of this molecular signaling cascade leads to a reduction in the phosphorylation of downstream protein B, which typically regulates specific cellular process C (e.g., ion channel activity or gene transcription). This molecular and cellular modulation culminates in a system-level decrease in the basal activity of Target Organ Z. The physiological consequence is a measurable reduction in sympathetic tone across the relevant organ system.

Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of Procure (Bicalutamide) follows specific high-level guidelines. The medicine is for oral use, available as film-coated tablets in 50 mg and 150 mg strengths.

Administration Scope

Feature Guideline
Dosing schedule The standard dose is 50 mg once daily when used in combination with LHRH analog therapy. The 150 mg tablet once daily regimen is indicated for locally advanced disease.
Frequency and Timing Procure must be taken once daily at approximately the same time each day.
Contextual Intake The tablet may be taken with or without food.
Duration Requirements Treatment is generally continuous. For certain uses, such as the 150 mg regimen, administration may be for at least two years or until disease progression.
Missed-dose rule If a dose is missed, the patient should skip the missed dose entirely and resume the schedule with the next dose; doubling the next dose is not permitted.
Population Rules No dosage adjustment is necessary for older adults or patients with renal impairment, or mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
Procedural Note For the 50 mg regimen, administration is required to begin concomitantly (at the same time) as the LHRH analog treatment.

Connection to the overall use protocol

The established protocol defines a non-divisible, continuous oral protocol for the systematic delivery of Bicalutamide irrespective of food intake. This protocol defines the required once-daily frequency and specifies the mandatory co-initiation with LHRH analog treatment, ensuring adherence to the standardized therapeutic structure.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence Overview

This overview summarizes the official scientific research that has studied Bicalutamide (Procure). The information is drawn from large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and scientific reviews referenced by major health regulatory bodies. This summary focuses only on the structure of the evidence and what studies monitored, providing context but not advice or individual predictions.


Evidence for Advanced and Metastatic Prostate Cancer

The most extensive research for Bicalutamide was conducted on adult males with advanced, metastatic prostate cancer. These large-scale, international clinical trials studied Bicalutamide when used as part of combination therapy alongside hormonal treatments. Research examined outcomes related to Overall Survival, which monitors life duration, and Progression-Free Survival, which monitors disease progression. Studies also tracked the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) biomarker. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to these survival and progression outcomes during the observation periods. However, the available data primarily describe Bicalutamide in combination; comparative evidence against newer anti-androgens is lacking.


Long-Term Study Data and Follow-up Duration

The research on Bicalutamide often involves extended observation periods. For patients with advanced disease, clinical trials studied outcomes over intermediate and long-term follow-up, with some pivotal studies monitoring survival for over a decade. The results apply only to the specific populations studied within the trials. Evidence for long-term effects are not fully established beyond the observation period of the formal trials, and data are still emerging.


Key Evidence Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

Research has also explored Bicalutamide's use in patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. Findings were mixed across different studies, and some trial results, particularly when the drug was studied for monotherapy, were observed in some studies to be associated with certain recorded safety findings in specific patient groups. This means its full long-term profile in this context is not fully established. Additionally, data for certain groups remain insufficient, including patients with severe renal or moderate to severe hepatic impairment, as these groups were often excluded from the main clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Procure (FAQ)

Q: How quickly can I expect Procure to start working?

Official regulatory documents do not state a specific timeframe for when patients can expect to notice symptomatic changes. The medicine's action is continuous and systematic. The medicine is intended for daily, ongoing use, consistent with the slow clearance of the active component from the body.

Q: Is it normal to feel a mild, non-specific symptom when starting Procure?

Official safety labels document several reactions that are commonly observed in patients, especially when treatment is initiated. Very common reactions include hot flush and asthenia (weakness), while dizziness is also listed as common. These effects are recognized and documented in regulatory safety information.

Q: How long does Procure stay in your system?

The active substance in Procure (R-bicalutamide) is cleared from the body slowly. According to pharmacokinetic data, the elimination half-life is approximately seven days. The half-life describes the time required for the amount of medicine in the body to be reduced by half.

Q: Can Procure cause weight changes?

Yes, official safety data indicates that increased weight is a common adverse reaction. This means the effect was observed in 1% to 10% of patients during clinical trials, according to regulatory documents.

Q: Does Procure affect sleep?

Regulatory documents list somnolence (drowsiness) as a common adverse reaction. Due to the possibility of this effect, official safety information advises caution regarding driving or operating machinery until it is known how the medication affects the individual.

Q: Is it normal to have less energy while on Procure?

Official safety documents list asthenia (weakness or lack of strength) as a very common adverse reaction. This means it has been observed in 10% or more of patients during clinical studies.

Q: Are the side effects of Procure usually temporary?

Regulatory labels document the frequency of side effects but do not explicitly state the typical duration (temporary or chronic) for all documented adverse reactions. The regulatory documents primarily detail the frequency of side effects, not their typical duration.

Q: Is Procure the same kind of drug as [Similar Drug Name]?

Procure's active ingredient is officially classified as a nonsteroidal antiandrogen. This type of medicine works by blocking the biological effects of male hormones in the body. Official sources define its class but do not compare it directly to other specific medicines.

Q: What is the main reason a doctor would prescribe Procure?

Official regulatory documents indicate that Procure is approved for the treatment of prostate cancer, typically for the treatment of advanced or metastatic disease. This indication is based on the specific evidence reviewed by health authorities.

Q: Is Procure a controlled substance?

No, according to regulatory information in the United States, Procure (Bicalutamide) is not classified as a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Procure?

If a dose is missed, regulatory instructions advise skipping the missed dose entirely. Instructions in the official administration guide state that the individual should resume the schedule with the next dose, and doubling the dose is not permitted.

Q: Is there a generic version of Procure available?

Yes, official drug registries, such as the FDA's Approved Drug Products list, indicate that generic versions of the 50 mg strength of the active ingredient (Bicalutamide) have been approved and are available.

Q: Are there special considerations for children using Procure?

Official regulatory labels state that Procure is not approved for use in children. The safety and effectiveness of the medicine have not been established in the pediatric population.

Q: Does Procure change the way birth control works?

Official information advises that male patients with partners who could become pregnant must discuss the need for effective contraception during treatment and for a specified period after the final dose. This caution is noted in regulatory safety information due to the potential for fetal harm.

Q: How is Procure different from other drugs for the same condition?

Procure is classified within the nonsteroidal antiandrogen class. This means it functions by blocking the effects of androgens. Official documents focus on its mechanism and use but do not make direct claims comparing its efficacy or safety against other specific treatments.

Q: What is the chemical or scientific name for Procure?

The chemical or scientific name for the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Procure is Bicalutamide.

Q: Is the brand name Procure the only way to get this medication?

No, approved generic versions of the medicine containing the active ingredient bicalutamide are also available.

Q: What is the evidence regarding Procure's use in younger adults?

Clinical trials used to establish the safety and effectiveness of Procure primarily studied adult men with prostate cancer. The official information is therefore based on the data collected from this specific patient population.

Q: Can Procure be crushed or split?

Official patient administration advice specifies that the Procure tablets should not be crushed, split, or chewed. The tablets must be swallowed whole as instructed.

Q: Is Procure a daily medication or is it taken as needed?

Procure is a daily medication. The official dosage instructions require it to be taken once per day as part of a continuous treatment protocol, not on an as-needed basis.

Q: Is Procure commonly used in other countries?

The active ingredient in Procure (Bicalutamide) is approved and available for use in many countries globally, consistent with its international regulatory status.

Q: Does Procure interact with herbal remedies like St. John's Wort?

Procure's active ingredient is documented as an inhibitor of the CYP3A4 enzyme, which processes many other medicines. While specific herbal remedies are not always listed, patients are advised to inform their doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin/mineral, and herbal products used, due to the potential for interactions.

Q: Does Procure change blood sugar levels?

Official regulatory documentation notes that Procure may increase blood sugar levels in some patients. This is a documented metabolic effect.

Q: Can people with diabetes safely take Procure?

Official documentation advises that because Procure may increase blood sugar levels, patients who already have diabetes may require more frequent monitoring of their blood sugar during treatment. This requirement for increased monitoring is noted in the official safety information.

Q: Does Procure have an effect on mental clarity or driving?

Because the medicine can cause documented adverse reactions like somnolence (drowsiness) and dizziness, official safety information recommends caution and suggests individuals should determine how they react to the medicine before driving or operating machinery.

Q: How should Procure be stored?

Procure should be stored at a Controlled Room Temperature, which is typically defined as between 20^circ to 25^circC (68^circ to 77^circF). It should be kept out of the reach of children.

Q: Is a prescription needed to get Procure?

Yes, Procure is a medication that is regulated for use only by prescription. It requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Q: Is Procure an antibiotic?

No, Procure is classified as a nonsteroidal antiandrogen. It is not used to treat bacterial infections.

Q: Is there a maximum time someone can take Procure?

Treatment with Procure is generally described as continuous. For some specific uses, regulatory documents describe treatment for at least two years or until disease progression. Some pivotal studies have monitored survival for over a decade.

How should Procure be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Stability

Procure (Procaine hydrochloride) must be stored in its original container at temperatures specified on the product label. If no specific requirements are stated, the product should be kept at controlled room temperature.

Protect the container from light and moisture, ensuring it remains tightly closed. The active substance is sensitive to air and light, and its solutions are considered unstable, making freshly prepared solutions highly recommended.

Handling and Disposal

Keep this medicine stored in a location inaccessible to children and pets, as required by safe storage regulations.

Disposal must be conducted according to local, regional, and national regulations. The substance is classified as a potential water hazard; therefore, it must not be flushed down the toilet or poured into a drain unless explicitly instructed by official disposal guidelines or the FDA's flush list. Contact an authorized waste disposal service for the proper management of the contents and packaging, which should be treated as special waste.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Procure found in:

A-Z Index: