(flure-oh-YOOR-a-sil)
Injectable
NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Warts, non-genital
ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
To treat various cancers, including breast, colon, head and neck, pancreas, rectum, or stomach
BRAND NAME
Adrucil
DRUG CLASS
Antineoplastic
DESCRIPTION
5-Fluorouracil is used to treat cancers by interfering with the production of DNA and inhibiting an enzyme that is incorporated into RNA.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Mouth ulcers, diarrhea, changes in blood parameters such as decreased white blood cells, decreased red blood cells and platelets, chest pain, hair loss, skin reactions, rash, skin pigmentation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, gastric ulcers, increased tearing, vision changes, fever.
CAUTIONS
- Notify your doctor if you have impaired kidney or liver function or if you recently received high-dose pelvic radiation.
- Immediately contact your doctor if you develop vomiting or diarrhea, mouth ulcers, numbness in the hands or feet, or chest pain.
- May require combination therapy with pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6).
- Contraceptive measures are recommended for both men and women during therapy.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Rotavirus Vaccine, Live (established), warfarin. Consult your doctor prior to immunizations or vaccinations, or starting any other medications.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Avoid black cohosh, dong quai in estrogen-dependent tumors.
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category D. Excretion into breast milk unknown. Breast-feeding is not recommended during therapy with this drug.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Blood monitoring is required during therapy to assess for complications.
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