flutamide (oral)

Brand name(s):

flutamide, Eulexin

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

In rare cases, flutamide has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or hospitalization. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, "flu-like" symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.

Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with flutamide, every month for the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.

What is flutamide?

Flutamide is an antiandrogen. It works in the body to prevent the actions of androgens (male hormones).

Flutamide is used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

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

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

Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor if you

smoke,
have liver disease,
have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or
have hemoglobin M deficiency.

You may not be able to take flutamide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Flutamide is not indicated for use by women. Flutamide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take flutamide if you are pregnant. Flutamide is not indicated for use by women. It is not known whether flutamide passes into breast milk. Do not take flutamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take flutamide?

Take flutamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Flutamide is usually taken three times a day (every 8 hours). Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with flutamide, every month for the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Store flutamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a flutamide overdose include decreased activity, slow breathing, dizziness, watering eyes, upraised body hair, decreased appetite, vomiting, and sedation.

What should I avoid while taking flutamide?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while taking flutamide. Follow any special instructions given by your doctor.

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