What is Flutamide?
Flutamide is an antiandrogen that is a nonsteroidal (testosterone blocker) medicine. Flutamide capsules are utilized to cure prostate cancer. Flutamide is administered in conjunction with a second medicine, the luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-ize-ing) hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH. LHRH assists in preventing the testicles from producing testosterone.
Warnings
Flutamide could cause serious liver issues. Contact your doctor immediately when you notice stomach symptoms like itching, pain, fatigue, or a loss of appetite. dark urine, stools that look like clay, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Before you take this drug.
It is not recommended to use flutamide if you have an allergy to it or if you suffer from severe liver issues. It is never recommended that a pregnant woman or child take flutamide.
To ensure that this medication is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:
- Liver disease.
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) insufficiency is a hereditary enzyme deficiency.
- Hemoglobin-M disease.
- If you smoke.
- If you also take the blood thinner (warfarin, coumadin, or Jantoven).
Although it is not intended for use by women or pregnant women, it could cause birth defects in women who are pregnant and exposed.
How to take flutamide?
Use flutamide capsules according to your doctor's prescription. Comply with all of the directions on the prescription label. Also, go through all the medication guides or instruction sheets. Flutamide should be taken at least every 8 hours. Follow the instructions of your physician for dosage extremely carefully. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor might recommend specific diets to avoid the symptoms of diarrhea. You'll require frequent medical examinations. It is recommended that you have blood tests before beginning treatment with flutamide, each monthly for the initial four months of treatment. Then, you should have them periodically after the initial 4 months. Consult your physician if you suffer from chronic or persistent diarrhea that is persistent or severe. Your doctor could suggest an anti-diarrhea drug. Do not stop taking flutamide abruptly. A sudden stop can cause your condition to get worse. Keep at room temperature, away from heat, humidity, and light.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Prostate Cancer:
250 mg taken orally every 8 hours
Comments: This drug can be taken alone or with food.
Stage B2-C Prostatic Carcinoma Treatment using this medication as well as its goserelin acetate implant begins 8 weeks prior to the start of radiation therapy. This will continue through radiation therapy.
Stage 2 Metastatic Carcinoma: This drug must be initiated by a LHRH-agonist and then kept up until the progression.
Utilization: locally limited stage B2-C, stage D2 metastatic cancer of the prostate.
What happens if I miss a dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once. Consult your physician for the appropriate treatment in the event that you don't make an appointment to receive the LHRH injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
To prevent diarrhea, stay away from dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt. Avoid using laxatives when taking flutamide.
Side effects of Flutamide
See a doctor immediately. If you show symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to flutamide, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Flutamide may cause serious liver issues. Consult your doctor immediately in the event that you suffer from:
- Nausea, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite.
- Itching, tiredness, and flu-like symptoms.
- Dark urine, stools that are clay-colored.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Some common side effects of flutamide include:
- Breast tenderness or swelling.
- Hot Flashes.
- Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea.
- Impermanence and lack of interest in sexual sex.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications may interfere with flutamide, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician your current medications as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.
