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Fluorouracil

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > F

Health Centres - Fluorouracil



How does it work?

Fluorouracil is one of a group of anti-cancer medicines called 'cytotoxic antimetabolites'. Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells then spread and destroy nearby tissues. Fluorouracil acts by slowing this process down. It kills cancer cells by attaching to a chemical within the cell and preventing it from using vital nutrients and other substances necessary for normal activity. Unfortunately, fluorouracil also affects normal, healthy cells and therefore it produces serious side-effects during long-term treatment. The most important side effect is in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Regular blood tests may therefore be needed to prevent the damage becoming permanent. Fluorouracil can be given by mouth either as capsules or the solution mixed in with fruit juice. It can also be given by injection or slow infusion into the veins (intravenously).

What is it used for?

- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer

Warning!

- For use only under specialist medical supervision
- Women who are pregnant should not handle this medicine.
- Handle this medicine with care; avoid direct contact with bare skin

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Heart disease
- Jaundice

Not to be used in

- Bleeding ulcers of the stomach and gut
- Children
- Low white blood cell count (leucopenia)
- Reduced platelet count in the blood

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Diarrhoea
- Visual disturbances
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin darkening
- Decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood (leucopenia)
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Chest pain
- Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (bone marrow suppression)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.



The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use Powered by netdoctor
© Copyright 1998 - 2008 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved

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