|
|
|
Flutamide |
|
|
What is Flutamide and why is it prescribed? Flutamide is used along with drugs such as Lupron to treat prostate cancer. Flutamide belongs to a class of drugs known as antiandrogens. It blocks the effect of the male hormone testosterone. Giving Flutamide with Lupron, which reduces the body's testosterone levels, is one way of treating prostate cancer. For some forms of prostate cancer, radiation therapy is given along with the drugs. Taking Flutamide and Lupron together is essential in this form of treatment. You should not interrupt their doses or stop taking either of these medications without consulting your doctor. How should you take Flutamide? Follow your doctors directions for taking Flutamide. Do not use more or less, and do not take it more often than instructed. If you develop diarrhea you may find the following measures helpful: drink plenty of fluids; avoid dairy products; increase your intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; avoid laxatives; and take nonprescription antidiarrhea medicine. If the diarrhea continues or becomes severe, contact your doctor. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Flutamide at room temperature. Are there any Flutamide side effects? Flutamide side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Flutamide side effects may include breast tissue swelling and tenderness, diarrhea, hot flashes, impotence, loss of sex drive, nausea, and vomiting. Less common Flutamide side effects may include confusion, decreased sexual ability, jaundice and liver damage, rash, sun sensitivity, and urine discoloration (amber or yellow-green). When the drugs are used along with radiation therapy, additional side effects may include bladder inflammation, bleeding from the rectum, blood in the urine, and intestinal problems. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Flutamide? If Flutamide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. If you are already taking the anticoagulant drug warfarin (Coumadin), you will need to be monitored especially closely after treatment with Flutamide begins. Are there any special warnings about Flutamide? Flutamide has been known to cause liver failure in some patients, in rare cases leading to death. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your liver function before you start treatment with Flutamide, and at regular intervals thereafter. If a liver problem does develop, you may need to take less Flutamide or stop taking the drug altogether. Report any signs or symptoms that might suggest liver damage to your doctor right away. Warning signs include dark urine, itching, flu-like symptoms, jaundice, persistent appetite loss, and persistent tenderness on the right side of the upper abdomen. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
