FLUTAMIDE - ORAL

FLUTAMIDE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (FLEW-tuh-mide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eulexin

GENERIC NAME(S): flutamide

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat men with prostate cancer, and is used with other medications and sometimes with radiation treatments. Flutamide belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-androgens (anti-testosterone). Testosterone, a natural hormone, helps prostate cancer to grow and spread. Flutamide works by blocking the effects of testosterone, thereby slowing the growth and spread of prostate cancer.


How to use FLUTAMIDE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using flutamide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not stop any medications for your prostate cancer unless told to do so by your doctor. Stopping your medications could allow the cancer to spread more rapidly. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (such as urination becomes more difficult, bone pain increases).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Because flutamide is usually used with other medications, the side effects may be caused by the other medications or their combination. Hot flashes, loss of sexual interest/ability, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and enlargement of male breasts may occur. Less common side effects include drowsiness. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Diarrhea is a common side effect. Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor to reduce your risk of losing too much body water. You may decrease dairy products, increase whole grains/vegetables/fruit, and stop any laxatives. Your doctor may prescribe anti-diarrhea medication (such as loperamide) to control your symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you develop severe or persistent diarrhea or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, decreased urination). Flutamide may change the color of your urine to light orange-brown or yellow-green. This is not harmful. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety, nervousness), a breast lump, confusion, sudden severe tiredness, weakness, pale skin, bluish fingernails/lips/skin, fast heartbeat at rest, feeling short of breath at rest. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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 taking flutamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, a certain enzyme deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-G6PD), smoking, hemoglobin M disease. This drug may rarely make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness. This medication is not usually used in women. Therefore, it is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid touching or accidentally taking this medication.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor or pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Some of the products that may interact with this drug include: testosterone (patch, gel, injection), anabolic steroids (including over-the-counter androgens/anabolics/testosterone precursors), DHEA, warfarin. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

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.

Images

FLUTAMIDE 125 MG CAPSULE

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white
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oblong
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WPI, 2227
FLUTAMIDE 125 MG CAPSULE

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beige
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par 753, par 753
FLUTAMIDE 125 MG CAPSULE

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light brown
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Cipla, 915 125 mg

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Faq for FLUTAMIDE - ORAL

Flutamide is an oral medication primarily used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It belongs to a class of drugs called anti-androgens, which work by blocking the effects of male hormones like testosterone.

Flutamide should be taken as directed by your doctor. Usually, it is taken three times daily with meals. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of treatment.

Some common side effects of Flutamide include hot flashes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, breast swelling/tenderness, decreased sexual interest, impotence, and liver problems. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects become severe or persistent.

Flutamide may cause liver problems, so regular liver function tests are necessary during treatment. It may also interact with certain medications, so inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Women, especially those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, should not handle this medication due to the risk of birth defects.

The effectiveness of Flutamide varies depending on the individual and the stage of prostate cancer. It may take several weeks or months to notice a significant effect. It is important to continue taking the medication as directed and consult with your doctor about any concerns.

Flutamide is only approved for use in men. Women should avoid this medication, and it may be harmful to a developing fetus if used during pregnancy.

Flutamide is not a cure for prostate cancer, but it can help slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments like surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy.

Flutamide should be taken with food to increase its absorption and minimize side effects like stomach upset. Follow your doctor's instructions on taking it with meals.

If you miss a dose of Flutamide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.


Warning

WARNING: Rarely, flutamide has caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver problems. Immediately tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver problems (such as loss of appetite, persistent nausea/vomiting, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, severe tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, aching muscles, joint pain). Liver problems can happen at any time while taking flutamide, but they occur most often during the first 3 months of treatment. Your doctor will tell you whether to stop or continue flutamide. Your doctor will monitor your liver function with blood tests while you take flutamide. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments. Avoid alcohol while taking flutamide.


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.