fluorouracil (injection) Health Article

Generic name(s):

fluorouracil (injection)

Brand name(s):

fluorouracil, Adrucil

What is the most important information I should know about fluorouracil?

Fluorouracil should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of fluorouracil including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); sores in the mouth or throat; severe vomiting or diarrhea; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with fluorouracil.

What is fluorouracil?

Fluorouracil is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Fluorouracil interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Fluorouracil is used in the treatment of colon, rectum, breast, stomach, and pancreas cancer.

Fluorouracil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluorouracil?

Do not use fluorouracil without first talking to your doctor if you have

• have liver disease;
• have kidney disease;

• have an infection;

• are in a poor nutritional state;

• have had previous radiation to the pelvic area;

• have had previous treatment with another chemotherapy medicine; or

• have poor bone marrow function.

The use of fluorouracil may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Fluorouracil is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use fluorouracil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with fluorouracil. It is not known whether fluorouracil passes into breast milk. Do not take fluorouracil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I use fluorouracil?

Fluorouracil should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with fluorouracil depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital for your first dose or doses of fluorouracil to monitor you for any reaction.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with fluorouracil to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store fluorouracil as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing fluorouracil at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of fluorouracil.

What happens if I overdose?

If for any reason an overdose of fluorouracil is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a fluorouracil overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using fluorouracil?

Fluorouracil can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with fluorouracil. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.