Medicines/Generics/Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview

Fluorouracil is used to treat cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach, or pancreas. Fluorouracil is often given in combination chemotherapy with other cancer drugs. Fluorouracil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Indications

Contraindications

Tell your doctor if you have ever had: a metabolic disorder called DPD (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) deficiency; heart problems; or bone marrow depression . Both men and women using fluorouracil should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Fluorouracil can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using fluorouracil. This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because fluorouracil can harm an unborn baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Fluorouracil may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: fever (take your temperature each day while receiving fluorouracil); severe or ongoing diarrhea ; vision problems; confusion, problems with balance or muscle movement; painful mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing, talking, or eating; bone marrow suppression --dizziness, pale lips or fingernail beds, fast heart rate , getting easily tired or short of breath; "hand and foot syndrome" --pain, blisters, bleeding, or severe rash on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet; heart problems --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, irregular heartbeats, nausea , sweating , feeling dizzy or short of breath. Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects. Common side effects of fluorouracil may include: diarrhea; mouth sores; heart problems; or bone marrow suppression. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Before using fluorouracil tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

High Risk Groups

Before using fluorouracil tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Adult Dosage

350 to 525 mg (440 (437.5)) 24 hourly Intra Arterial — 5 % (5 (5)) 12 hourly Topical — - 840 mg (840 (840)) 24 hourly IV — For 3-4 Days

Child Dosage

12 to 800 mg/kg (410 (406)) 24 hourly Intra Venous — Initially for 4-5 Days 6 mg/kg (6 (6)) As recommended. Intra Venous — Maintenance, on alternate days for 4 doses

Neonatal Dosage

( ) — Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

If you take a blood thinner ( warfarin , Coumadin , Jantoven ), you may need to have more frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests. Other drugs may affect fluorouracil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Storage

Inj Store Below 40°C. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight. Oint Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C.