Uses
What is fluorouracil used for?
Fluorouracil is commonly used for the treatment of certain types of cancer, including adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum, breast, stomach, and pancreas.
Fluorouracil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does fluorouracil work (mechanism of action)?
Fluorouracil works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
How is fluorouracil supplied (dosage forms)?
Fluorouracil is available in the following dosage forms that are injected into a blood vessel.
- 500 mg/10 mL solution for injection
- 1000 mg/20 mL solution for injection
- 2500 mg/50 mL solution for injection
- 5000 mg/100 mL solution for injection
Fluorouracil is also available as a cream or liquid that is applied to the skin. See Fluorouracil topical for more information.
How should I store fluorouracil?
Fluorouracil is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of fluorouracil?
The most common side effects of fluorouracil are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea (see below)
- Mouth sores (see below)
There may be other side effects of fluorouracil that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of fluorouracil?
While less common, the most serious side effects of fluorouracil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with fluorouracil but may be severe. If you are given medicine to prevent or treat diarrhea, take it exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.
- Severe diarrhea
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever
Mouth Sores (Mucositis/Stomatitis). Sores in the mouth or throat can be common with fluorouracil but may be severe. Sores in the mouth or throat can be common with fluorouracil but may be severe. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.
- Severe mouth sores
- Mouth sores with weakness, dizziness, or fever
- Severe pain when eating and drinking
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
Hand/Foot Syndrome (Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia). Fluorouracil can cause redness, swelling, peeling, and tingling, burning, or pain of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get blisters, sores, redness, flaking, or swelling on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet with or without a burning or tingling sensation.
Myelosuppression. Fluorouracil can cause myelosuppression which is a condition where the bone marrow is not able to make enough of certain blood cells. If you have myelosuppression, the bone marrow does not replace cells when they die, which can lead to problems such as low red blood cell levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (neutropenia). Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Check your temperature each day. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Cold hands and feet
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Shortness of breath
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Nosebleeds
- Fever, chills, or sweats
- Sore throat or cough
- Mouth or throat sores
- Swollen lymph nodes
Heart Problems. Fluorouracil may cause problems with the heart including heart attack, changes in heart rhythm, or heart failure. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or heart failure.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Unusual tiredness
Nervous System Problems. Fluorouracil can cause problems with your nervous system that can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away or get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Confusion or thinking problems
- Trouble walking
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Vision problems
High Ammonia Level. Fluorouracil can increase ammonia levels in your blood. You may need a blood test to check the amount of ammonia in your blood. Get emergency help and tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of high ammonia levels.
- Unexplained tiredness
- New confusion or slowed thinking
- Slowed reaction time
- Changes in vision
- Trouble with balance or coordination
Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluorouracil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Your healthcare provider will stop using fluorouracil and give you emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use fluorouracil?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use fluorouracil.
- Fluorouracil
- 5-Fluorouracil
- Capecitabine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific fluorouracil products they stock.
What should I know about fluorouracil before using it?
Fluorouracil is usually given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
Fluorouracil may be dangerous if you have a certain genetic condition called DPD deficiency. Ask your healthcare provider if you should be tested for DPD deficiency before starting fluorouracil.
Fluorouracil may affect your ability to become pregnant or get a partner pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using fluorouracil?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if fluorouracil is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency (DPD deficiency). Certain people may have a genetic condition where they do not break down some drugs very well, including fluorouracil. This condition may increase the possibility that fluorouracil will have serious adverse effects in the body that may be life threatening. Do not use fluorouracil and notify your healthcare provider if you have a history of DPD deficiency. Ask your healthcare provider if you can be tested for this genetic condition. If you develop stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or chills, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Pregnancy. Do not use fluorouracil if you are pregnant. Fluorouracil can cause harm to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare professional right away. Your healthcare provider may recommend testing for pregnancy before you start using this medicine. People who can become pregnant or people with partners who can become pregnant need to use reliable birth control while taking fluorouracil and for 3 months after the medicine is stopped.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if fluorouracil passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop fluorouracil.
Interactions
Does fluorouracil interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between fluorouracil and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect fluorouracil.
Does fluorouracil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a blood thinner, before using fluorouracil.
Fluorouracil may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with fluorouracil. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much fluorouracil?
If you or someone else has used too much fluorouracil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of fluorouracil
Fluorouracil is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving fluorouracil as scheduled.
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