FLOXURIDINE - INJECTION

FLOXURIDINE - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (flox-YOUR-eh-deen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): FUDR

GENERIC NAME(S): floxuridine

Uses

USES: Floxuridine is used to treat certain types of stomach/intestinal cancer that have spread to the liver. It is a chemotherapy drug that is used to slow or stop cancer cell growth.


How to use FLOXURIDINE - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into an artery using a continuous infusion pump. It is given through a catheter placed inside the artery that supplies blood to the tumor. This method directs the medication to the tumor so that it can have a stronger effect on the tumor with less risk of serious side effects in the rest of the body. When starting the first course of treatment with this medication, you should be in a hospital where you can be monitored for possible serious side effects. This medication will be prepared and mixed for you by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. This medication should be used as long as you continue to benefit from the treatment. When serious side effects appear, your doctor will stop treatment with this medication. After the side effects have lessened, treatment will resume.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness, redness at the injection site, or dry skin may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Many people using this medication have some serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever or chills. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mouth sores, sore throat, painful/difficult swallowing, persistent or severe vomiting/diarrhea, easy or unusual bruising/bleeding, black stools, blood/mucus in the stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, cramps/pain in the stomach/abdomen, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, weakness, weight loss, skin problems (e.g., peeling/darkening of the skin), muscle/joint pain. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest/jaw/left arm pain, warmth/swelling/pain/leaking at the injection site, pain/swelling/redness/weakness of the arms or legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, sudden vision changes, weakness on one side of the body, severe clumsiness/trouble walking, slurred speech, confusion, severe headache. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using floxuridine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to fluorouracil; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: poor nutrition, decreased bone marrow function/blood cell disorders (e.g., anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), a serious infection. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, past high-dose radiation treatment of the pelvis. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received polio vaccine by mouth or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Since this medication can increase your risk of developing serious infections, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Avoid contact with people who have illnesses that may spread to others (e.g., flu, chickenpox). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like safety razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs that may decrease bone marrow function (e.g., azathioprine, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole), past or present use of alkylating-type cancer drugs (such as cyclophosphamide, melphalan). Floxuridine is very similar to fluorouracil. Do not use medications containing fluorouracil while using floxuridine.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for FLOXURIDINE - INJECTION

Floxuridine injection is used to treat certain types of cancer, particularly cancers of the colon, rectum, and liver.

Floxuridine works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and preventing them from multiplying.

Floxuridine is given as an injection into a vein (intravenous) or as an infusion into an artery (intra-arterial). It is usually administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, hair loss, and low blood cell counts. Serious side effects may include liver problems, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.

The frequency and duration of Floxuridine injection will depend on the specific type and stage of cancer being treated. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment schedule for you.

It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Floxuridine treatment, as some may interact negatively with the drug.

Floxuridine can suppress bone marrow function, which may lead to increased risk of infection or bleeding. It is important to regularly monitor blood counts during treatment. Floxuridine is also contraindicated in pregnant women, as it can harm the developing fetus.

The effectiveness of Floxuridine injection varies depending on the individual and the specific cancer being treated. It may take several weeks or months of treatment to see a response.

Floxuridine injection may be used in pediatric patients, but the dosage and administration should be determined by a pediatric oncologist with experience in treating childhood cancers.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.