Flutamide (By mouth)
FLOO-ta-mide
Drug classes
Antiandrogen (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Flutamide is used together with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist to treat metastatic (cancer that has spread) prostate cancer in men. Flutamide belongs to the group of medicines called antiandrogens. It works by blocking the effects of androgen (a male hormone), to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine is to be used by men only.
Flutamide is taken with other medicines to treat prostate cancer. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store this medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking blood thinners (Coumadin®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had had an allergic reaction to flutamide, or if you have severe liver disease.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease.
Use a condom to keep your semen out of contact with your sexual partner, especially if she is pregnant.
Your doctor may want to test your blood while you are taking this medicine. Make sure you keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Dark-colored urine or pale stools
Extreme weakness
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Breast swelling
Diarrhea, stomach upset, loss of appetite
Problems with sex
Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Eulexin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.