What is Eulexin (Flutamide)?
Flutamide is an antiandrogen. It works in the body to prevent the actions of androgens (male hormones).
Flutamide is used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Flutamide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Eulexin (Flutamide)?
In rare cases, flutamide has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or hospitalization. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, “flu-like” symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with flutamide, every month for the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Eulexin (Flutamide)?
Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor if you
- smoke,
- have liver disease,
- have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or
- have hemoglobin M deficiency
You may not be able to take flutamide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Flutamide is not indicated for use by women. Flutamide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take flutamide if you are pregnant.
Flutamide is not indicated for use by women. It is not known whether flutamide passes into breast milk. Do not take flutamide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Eulexin Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Eulexin (Flutamide)?
Stop taking flutamide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
In rare cases, flutamide has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or hospitalization. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, “flu-like” symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take flutamide and talk to your doctor if you experience
- hot flashes,
- diarrhea,
- skin rash,
- increased skin sensitivity to sunlight,
- loss of sex drive,
- impotence,
- lowered sperm count,
- enlarged breasts,
- amber or greenish discoloration of the urine,
- rectal bleeding or inflammation, or
- blood in the urine
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Eulexin Interactions
What other drugs affect Eulexin (Flutamide)?
Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). Flutamide may interact with warfarin, and the interaction could lead to bleeding.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with flutamide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What should I avoid while taking Eulexin (Flutamide)?
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while taking flutamide. Follow any special instructions given by your doctor.
Eulexin Dosage
How should I take Eulexin (Flutamide)?
Take flutamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Flutamide is usually taken three times a day (every 8 hours). Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with flutamide, every month for the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter.
In rare cases, flutamide has caused severe liver damage resulting in death or hospitalization. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, “flu-like” symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.
Store flutamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Eulexin (Flutamide)?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a flutamide overdose include decreased activity, slow breathing, dizziness, watering eyes, upraised body hair, decreased appetite, vomiting, and sedation.
What happens if I miss a dose of Eulexin (Flutamide)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com