Fluorouracil

Information About Fluorouracil

Uses of Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil is commonly used to treat blood cancer, bone cancer, breast cancer, cancer of colon and rectum, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, urinary bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart transplant rejection and liver transplant rejection. it is also being used to prevent kidney transplant rejection.

How Fluorouracil Works

Fluorouracil works by blocking the conversion of deoxyuridylic acid to thymidylic acid and thus interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis. As a result, there is an unbalanced growth of the cells. Fluorouracil greatly affects the rapidly growing cells as they can take up Fluorouracil at a faster rate.

Side Effects of Fluorouracil

Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal ulceration, Stomatitis, Nausea, Vomiting, Rash, Leucopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Hyperpigmentation, Hemorrhage from any site

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Fluorouracil Related Warnings

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is not advisable to use fluorouracil with alcohol. There are studies which suggested that alcohol consumption may reduce the anticancer activity of Fluorouracil.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Women of childbearing age should avoid getting pregnant and use contraception while using fluorouracil until 6 months after discontinuing Fluorouracil. If Fluorouracil is used during pregnancy, the patients should be informed on the potential risks to the fetus and genetic counseling is suggested. There are limited human studies though fatal defects and miscarriages have been demonstrated. Despite the risks, potential benefits may allow the usage of fluorouracil in pregnant women.

Lactation Limited Data

There is limited data on the usage of fluorouracil while breastfeeding. Since it remained unknown whether it is excreted into breast milk, breastfeeding must be discontinued when the mother is started on fluorouracil.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Fluorouracil may cause side effects such as dizziness or nausea, vomiting or visual disturbances, all of which could affect the ability to concentrate and drive.

Kidney Use With Care

It is important to practice caution when using fluorouracil in patients with renal impairment as there is an increased risk of hyperammonemia and hyperammonemic encephalopathy.

Liver Limited Data

It is important to practice caution when using fluorouracil in patients with liver impairment as there is an increased risk of hyperammonemia and hyperammonemic encephalopathy.