What is Fluorouracil ?
Fluorouracil can be used to treat cancer in the colon, rectum (rectum), breast, stomach, or pancreas. Fluorouracil can be given as part of a combination chemotherapy treatment with other cancer drugs. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of fluorouracil.
Side effects of Fluorouracil
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and facial, lips or throat swelling. Seek medical help immediately!
Fluorouracil can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fever (take your temperature every day while taking fluorouracil);
- Diarrhea that is severe or persistent
- Vision problems
- Confuse problems with muscle or balance movements.
- Painful mouth sores; red or swollen gingivae; difficulty swallowing, speaking, or eating
- Bone Marrow Suppression can result in symptoms including dizziness, pale lips or fingernail beds, rapid heartbeat rate and easily becoming tired or short of breath;
- Hand and foot syndrome: pain, blisters, bruising, or severe rash in the palms or soles of the feet or hands;
- Heart problems: chest pain, pressure or discomfort, pain in your jaw or shoulder. Nausea. Sweating.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be suspended or discontinued.
Fluorouracil side effects may include:
- Diarrhea;
- Mouth sores;
- Heart problems
- Bone marrow suppression is the removal of bone marrow.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting adverse events.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, allergies, or medicines that you take. Also, tell him if you're pregnant or nursing.
Before you take this drug
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- DPD deficiency, an enzyme disorder, affects one out of every 1,000 individuals; approximately 25% have DPD deficiency;
- Heart problems
- Bone marrow depression.
Women and men who use fluorouracil must use birth control that is effective to prevent pregnancy. Fluorouracil may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses this medication. Continue to use birth control at least three months after you have taken your last dose. If you become pregnant while taking fluorouracil, tell your doctor immediately. Both men and women may be affected by this medicine. It is still important to use birth control to avoid pregnancy, as fluorouracil may harm the unborn child. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Fluorouracil?
Fluorouracil infusions are given into veins. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Your initial dose may be administered in a hospital setting or clinic to minimize serious side-effects and ensure an optimum therapeutic experience. You may only need to take the medication on certain days during each treatment cycle. Fluorouracil can be given as a continuous infusion for 24 to 46 hours. The frequency of fluorouracil shots depends on many factors, including your side effects and the way in which your body reacts to them. Your doctor will decide how long you should be treated with this medication. If you experience any pain or swelling when receiving fluorouracil, tell your caregivers. Fluorouracil increases your risk of bleeding and infection. You will have to undergo frequent medical tests. These tests may delay your cancer treatment.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for colorectal cancer:
Combinations with LEUCOVORIN include OXALIPLATIN/IRINENOTECAN:
On Day 1, 400 mg/m2 is administered as an IV bolus, followed by 2400–3000 mg/m2 in a continuous IV over 46 hours.
When taken as part of a BOLUS dosing regimen in combination with Leucovorin:
On Days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36 of the 8-week cycles, a 500 mg/m2 IV bolus is given.
Use: Adenocarcinoma colon and rectum
Adult dose for breast cancer:
ADMINISTERED AS A COMPONENT OF A CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE-BASED MULTIDRUG REGIMEN:
Every 28 days, on Days 1 and 8, 500 or 600 mg/m2 intravenously
Breast cancer: Adenocarcinoma
Adult dose for stomach cancer:
ADMINISTERED IN A MULTIDRUG CHEMITHERAPY REGIMEN CONTAINING PLATINUM:
The dose and duration of each cycle are dependent on the fluorouracil administered and the regimen used.
Gastric adenocarcinoma
Adult dose for pancreatic cancer:
ADMINISTERED WITH LEUCOVORIN OR AS PART OF A MULTIDRUG CHEMIOTHERAPY REGIMEN INCLUDING LEUCOVORIN
On Day 1, 400 mg/m2 is administered as an IV bolus, followed by 2400 mg/m2 given in a continuous IV over 46 hours each for 2 weeks.
Use: pancreatic carcinoma
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your fluorouracil appointment, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
You may need more frequent tests of "INR", or prothrombin times if you are taking a blood thinner (Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven). Fluorouracil can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
