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Flutamide belongs to the class of anti-androgen (anti-testosterone) drugs. Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in men, it has many different effects, but it also helps prostate cancer cells grow and metastasize. Flutamide is used to treat prostate cancer. Flutamide works by blocking the effects of testosterone, thereby slowing the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.
1. Indications and contraindications of the drug Flutamide
Flutamide drug is indicated for the treatment of:
Prostate cancer Flutamide drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency Deficiency of cytochrome b5 reductase enzyme in blood Methemoglobinemia, a type of blood disorder. Liver failure Severe liver disease High levels of bilirubin in the blood Abnormal liver function tests Pregnancy Pregnant women Anemia due to pyruvate kinase and G6PD deficiency
2. How to use Flutamide
Read the medication instructions provided by your doctor carefully before you start using flutamide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions about how to use Flutamide, consult your doctor. Flutamide is to be taken by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Flutamide dosage is calculated based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use Flutamide regularly to get the most benefit from it. To avoid forgetting to take your medication, take your Flutamide at the same times each day. Do not stop any medication for your prostate cancer unless told to do so by your doctor. Stopping the medication may allow the cancer to spread more quickly. Tests such as liver function tests, PSA blood tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects while using Flutamide. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (e.g., urination becomes more difficult, bone pain increases) after using Flutamide.
Thuốc Flutamide được sử dụng bằng được uống theo chỉ dẫn của bác sĩ
3. Flutamide side effects
Because flutamide is often used with other medicines, side effects can be caused by other drugs or their combinations. When using Flutamide, you may experience hot flashes, loss of interest or ability to have sex, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and enlarged breasts in men. The side effects of flutamide are less common. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Diarrhea is a common side effect of Flutamide. Drink plenty of water as directed by your doctor to reduce the risk of losing too much water in your body. You can reduce dairy products, increase whole grains/vegetables/fruits and stop using laxatives. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-diarrheal medicine (such as loperamide) to control your symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you have severe or persistent diarrhea or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, decreased urination).
Flutamide may change the color of your urine to brown, light orange, or greenish yellow. This is not harmful to your health.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Flutamide because they have judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people use Flutamide without any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of the following rare but very serious side effects of Flutamide occur: Mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety, nervousness) , breast lump, confusion, sudden severe fatigue, weakness, pale skin, bluish fingernails/lips/skin, heart palpitations at rest, feeling short of breath at rest.
A very serious allergic reaction to Flutamide is very rare. However, if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Flutamide, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing, dizziness serious, seek immediate medical attention
Below are Flutamide side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Flutamide include:
Change in sexual interest Inability to get an erection Enlarged breasts Diarrhea Drug-induced hot flashes Uncommon side effects of Flutamide include:
Anemia Decreased platelets in the blood Low white blood cell count High blood pressure Drowsiness Visible fluid retention Decreased appetite Nausea Vomiting Anxiety Anxiety Rare side effects of Flutamide include:
Deficiency hemolytic anemia Methemoglobinemia Liver failure Hepatitis Abnormal liver function tests Yellowing of the eyes or skin due to accumulation of bilirubin Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight Abnormal urine color This is not a complete list of effects. Possible side effects of Flutamide. If you notice other effects of Flutamide not listed above, contact your doctor for prompt action.
Thuốc Flutamide có thể gây ra một số tác dụng phụ cho người bệnh
4. Measures to prevent side effects of Flutamide
Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine and any other allergies, if any. Medicines may contain inactive ingredients, and they may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Flutamide, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Liver problems, deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase- G6PD, smoking, hemoglobin M disease.
Drugs Flutamide rarely makes you dizzy or drowsy. However, you should not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness while using Flutamide, until you can do so safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages and absolutely do not use marijuana while being treated with Flutamide.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Flutamide and other medicines.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Flutamide, especially drowsiness.
5. Flutamide drug interactions
The effects of Flutamide may change if you take other medicines or herbal products at the same time. This may increase your risk of serious side effects or may prevent Flutamide from working correctly. Your doctor can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by closely monitoring them.
You need to tell your doctor about all the medicines you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) before you start using Flutamide. While using Flutamide, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any other medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Flutamide include: Testosterone (patch, gel, injection), anabolic steroids (including over-the-counter androgen/anabolics/testosterone precursors), DHEA, warfarin.
6. What to do if you overdose or forget to use Flutamide?
If you or someone else has overdosed on Flutamide and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
If you miss a dose of Flutamide, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose of Flutamide at the usual time, do not double the usual dose.
7. How to store Flutamide
Store Flutamide at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C), away from light and moisture. Do not store Flutamide in the bathroom, keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Do not flush Flutamide down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of this medication appropriately when it expires or is no longer needed
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Reference source: webmd.com
