Fluorouracil (By injection)
flure-oh-URE-a-sil
Treats cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, pancreas, and stomach. Also called 5-FU.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Fluorouracil belongs to the group of medicines known as antimetabolites. It is used to treat cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach, and pancreas. It may also be used to treat other kinds of cancer, as determined by your doctor.
Fluorouracil interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by fluorouracil, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with fluorouracil, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Fluorouracil is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, fluorouracil is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Cancer of the outside layer of the adrenal gland Cancer of the anus Cancer of the bladder Cancer of the cervix Cancer of the endometrium Cancer of the ovaries Cancer of the esophagus Cancer of the head and neck Cancer of the penis Cancer of the liver Cancer of the prostate Cancer of the skin Cancer of the vulva Carcinoid tumors Hepatoblastoma (a certain type of liver cancer that occurs in children) Glaucoma, during and after certain surgery (trabeculectomy)Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
This medicine is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it will be given.
Your medicine will be given through a tube that is put in a vein, usually in your arm, wrist, or hand and sometimes in your chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
If you get your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
If you get your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the IV liquid at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you get your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bag, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
You should not use aspirin or any product that has aspirin it (such as some cold medicines) unless you have talked to your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).
When Not To Use
You should not be treated with this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluorouracil.
Warnings
Do not breastfeed while you are being given this medicine.
Before you start your treatments, tell your doctor if you have any infections, bone marrow problems, or liver or kidney disease.
You may get infections more easily while getting this medicine. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections.
This medicine may make your mouth sore and irritated. Keep your mouth clean to prevent infection. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush or mouth swab.
This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. If the medicine does not help (you can’t keep liquids down), call your doctor.
Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are receiving fluorouracil. Use an effective method of birth control while you are getting this medicine.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Diarrhea, loose watery stools
Mouth sores that keep you from drinking liquids
Severe vomiting
Wheezing, trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Stomach cramps
Hair loss
Mild rash
Darkening of skin
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
Adrucil, Novaplus Fluorouracil, PremierPro Rx Fluorouracil
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
