Flutamide

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (floo' ta mide)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Flutamide is used together with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LHRH; a type of hormonal injection such as leuprolide

  • Lupron, Eligard
, goserelin
  • Zoladex
, or triptorelin
  • Trelstar
) to treat certain types of prostate cancer. Flutamide is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal antiandrogens. It works by blocking the effects of androgen (a male hormone) to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.


How should this medicine be used?

Flutamide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food every 8 hours (three times a day.) Take flutamide at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take flutamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take flutamide along with the LHRH agonist treatment even if you feel well. Do not stop taking either medication without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking flutamide,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to flutamide or any other medications.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin (Coumadin).
  • tell your doctor if you smoke and if you have or have ever had any inherited blood diseases such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency or hemoglobin M disease.
  • you should know that flutamide is only for use in men. If taken by pregnant women, flutamide can harm the fetus. Women who are or may become pregnant should not take flutamide. If you take flutamide while you are pregnant, call your doctor.
  • ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking flutamide. Flutamide may cause facial flushing, and drinking alcohol can make it worse.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Flutamide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • hot flashes
  • decrease in sexual ability or desire
  • breast enlargement in men
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • blue-green or orange-colored urine

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the symptoms listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately.

Although it is rare, some men taking flutamide have developed breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.

Flutamide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Anti-Androgens
  • Hormone Antagonists and Related Agents
  • Endocrine Therapy
  • Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C19 Inducers
  • CYP3A4 Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inducers
  • Anti-androgens
Prescribed For the management of locally confined Stage B2-C and Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate
Weight :276.2118
Structure Flutamide
Generic Drug Flutamide prescribed For the management of locally confined Stage B2-C and Stage D2 metastatic carcinoma of the prostate
Formula

C11H11F3N2O3

Flutamide has 8 Brands listed


Cytomid (250 mg)Drogenil (250 mg)
Flutacare (250 mg)Flutam (250 mg)
Flutide (250 mg)Plutamide (250 mg)
Prostamid (250 mg)Ticum (250 mg)

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