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Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as antimetabolites. Fluorouracil interferes with genetic material (DNA and RNA), which is necessary for the growth and reproduction of cancer cells.

Available form

Injectable

Dosage

50MG/ML

Manufacturers

Pfizer

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Fluorouracil information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose of fluorouracil varies widely according to the specific condition being treated, the response to therapy, and the other medications being used. The dose of fluorouracil is based on body size.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Your doctor may decide on a dosage schedule different from that described here.

Fluorouracil is available as an intravenous (into the vein) injection. It is usually injected through a specially prepared site on the skin. Very careful handling of Fluorouracil is required. Fluorouracil should only be given by health care professionals familiar with the use of anticancer medications. It is always given in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.

It is important that Fluorouracil be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive fluorouracil, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA and RNA of cancer cells, fluorouracil can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor.

Fluorouracil is stored at room temperature and protected from light.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Fluorouracil. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Fluorouracil with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Fluorouracil. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

dry or cracked skin
headache
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
increased skin pigmentation
loss of appetite
nausea
redness or irritation of eyes
skin rash and itching
temporary hair thinning or loss (returns after treatments end)
vomiting
watering or tearing of eyes

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

changes to fingernails or toenails
changes to vision
confusion or disorientation
Diarrhea
Fever
heartburn
severe nausea or vomiting
signs of Anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness)
signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual bruising or bleeding, pinpoint red spots on skin, black tarry stools, bloody nose, blood in urine, coughing blood, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
signs of dehydration (e.g., decreased urine, dry skin, dry and sticky mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, headache, thirst, confusion)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
sores in mouth and on lips
trouble with balance

Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

pain or swelling at the site of injection
signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the face and throat)
signs of heart problems (chest pain, abnormal heart rhythm, shortness of breath)
signs of infection (fever or chills, sore throat, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, painful or difficult urination, or listlessness)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Fluorouracil.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Fluorouracil.

Blood clotting: Fluorouracil can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood and increase your risk of bleeding. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual (e.g., black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding). Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of platelets in your blood.

Cardiovascular effects: Fluorouracil has been reported to cause effects on the heart and circulatory (blood vessels) system. Reports of Heart Attack, Angina, irregular heart rhythm, and heart failure have been reported with the use of fluorouracil.

If you have heart disease or any other diseases of the heart and blood system, discuss with your doctor how Fluorouracil may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluorouracil, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infection: In addition to killing cancer cells, Fluorouracil can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people with contagious infections.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Kidney function: Reduced kidney function can affect the dose of fluorouracil that a person needs. If you have Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Fluorouracil may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluorouracil, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: The liver helps remove fluorouracil from the body. When the liver is not working well, the risk of side effects is increased. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Fluorouracil may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluorouracil, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Red blood cells: Fluorouracil may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Serious medical conditions, treatments, or surgery: People who have had recent major surgery, treatment with other anticancer medications that suppress bone marrow function, cancers that have spread to the bone, or high-dose radiation to the spine, ribs, or pelvis may experience more severe side effects of fluorouracil.

If you have experienced any of the above, or any other serious medical condition, discuss with your doctor how Fluorouracil may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fluorouracil, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Skin sensitivity: Fluorouracil can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure. An exaggerated Sunburn reaction may occur. Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds, and use sunblock with minimum SPF 30.

Vaccines: Before starting Fluorouracil, all your immunizations should be up to date. Live vaccines (e.g., BCG, yellow fever) are not recommended for people taking Fluorouracil. Talk to your doctor if you need any vaccinations while taking Fluorouracil.

Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defects if fluorouracil is being used at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. Use effective birth control while you are being treated with Fluorouracil. If you become pregnant while taking Fluorouracil, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if fluorouracil passes into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious harm to the baby, women receiving fluorouracil should not breast-feed.

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