How does it work?

Flutamide is a type of medicine known as an anti-androgen. It works by blocking the effects of male hormones such as testosterone (androgens). Androgens in the body have many actions. They work by binding to receptors on cells and influencing the actions of these cells. Prostate cancers require the androgen testosterone in order to grow and spread. Flutamide prevents testosterone from binding to androgen receptors. It therefore starves prostate cancer cells of testosterone, which prevents them growing. Eventually the prostate tumour will shrink. Flutamide may be used alone or in combination a different type of anti-cancer medicine known as a "gonadorelin analogue". This class of medicines can cause a short-term worsening of symptoms before the improvement begins, and flutamide can prevent this.

What is it used for?

Advanced prostate cancer

Warning!

It is recommended that people taking this medicine have regular blood tests to monitor their liver function.

This medicine can sometimes cause liver problems. Consult your doctor promptly if you develop unexplained itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusually dark urine, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, loss of appetite or flu-like symptoms.

This medicine may reduce sperm count in men who have not been castrated. Regular sperm counts may be desirable for such men.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Heart disease

Not to be used in

Women

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 is for use by men only. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

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.

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Tiredness

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)

Abnormal enlargement of breasts in the male (gynaecomastia)

Damage to the liver

Increased appetite

Abnormal production of breast milk (galactorrhoea)

Excessive breakdown of red blood cells that reduces red blood cell count (haemolytic anaemia)

Decrease in production of sperm

Decreased sex drive

Breast tenderness

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.

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