What is this medication for?
Fluorouracil belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medicines known as antineoplastics, and specifically to the group of antineoplastics known as antimetabolites. Fluorouracil interferes with the growth of cancer cells, and they are eventually destroyed. Fluorouracil is used alone or along with other antineoplastic agents to treat many types of cancer including cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach, and pancreas.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Fluorouracil by Sicor Pharmaceuticals is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of fluorouracil varies widely according to the specific disease being treated, the response to therapy and the other drugs being used. The dose of fluorouracil is based on body size. Fluorouracil is available in intravenous (into the vein) injection form only. It is injected through a site on the skin that has been prepared for this purpose. Very careful handling of this medication is required. It is always administered in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, fluorouracil can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects, such as mouth sores. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section, "What side effects are possible with this medication?"
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Fuorouracil should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to fluorouracil or any ingredients of the medication
- is in a poor nutritional state (poorly nourished)
- has a poor bone marrow function (low blood counts)
- has a potentially serious infection