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Fluorouracil

Information about Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil Uses

Fluorouracil is used in the treatment of cancer.

How Fluorouracil works

Fluorouracil is an anticancer medication. It works by interfering with the growth of genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.

Common side effects of Fluorouracil

Nausea1a, Vomiting, Hair loss, Diarrhea, Bronchospasm, Infection, Myelosuppression, Agranulocytosis (deficiency of granulocytes in the blood), Itching, Skin exfoliation, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Febrile neutropenia, Angina (heart related chest pain), ECG changes, Decreased immunity

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

19 Feb 2021 | 06:41 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Fluorouracil

Expert advice for Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil helps treat cancers of stomach, colon, rectum, breast, and lungs.
It is given as an injection into a vein, or as a drip (infusion) into a vein or artery.
The dose and the number of treatment cycles needed will depend on the type and stage of cancer that is being treated.
It may cause dizziness and visual changes. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.
Your doctor may regularly monitor your blood cells and liver function during treatment with this medicine.
Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or severe diarrhea.

Frequently asked questions for Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil

Q. Is fluorouracil a vesicant?

No, fluorouracil is not a vesicant (irritant).

Q. Is fluorouracil safe?

Fluorouracil is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.

Q. Is fluorouracil a steroid?

No, flurouracil is not a steroid.

Q. Is fluorouracil cream chemotherapy?

Fluorouracil is used as chemotherapy for the treatment of cancers.

Q. Is fluorouracil cream for warts?

Yes, fluorouracil is used for the treatment of warts.

Q. Is fluorouracil the same as efudex?

Efudex is a brand name (trade name) for fluorouracil.

Q. Does fluorouracil affect normal skin?

Fluorouracil has minimal effect on the surrounding healthy skin.

Q. Does fluorouracil cause hair loss?

Yes, fluorouracil may cause temporary hair loss.

Q. Does fluorouracil cause scarring?

No, fluorouracil is not known to cause scarring.

Q. Does fluorouracil cause headaches?

Though headache is not a common side effect of fluorouracil, it may occur uncommonly is some people.

Q. Why does fluorouracil cause fatigue?

As with any chemotherapy for cancer, fluorouracil causes fatigue which is attributed to be of multi-factor origin, but inflammation and anemia are thought to be the most important factors.