Brand
name: Flutamide
(Eulexin)
Pronounced: you-LEKS-in
Generic name: Flutamide
Why is Flutamide (Eulexin) prescribed?
Flutamide (Eulexin) is used along with drugs such as Lupron to treat prostate
cancer. Flutamide (Eulexin) belongs to a class of drugs known as antiandrogens.
It blocks the effect of the male hormone testosterone. Giving Flutamide (Eulexin)
with Lupron, which reduces the body's testosterone levels, is one way
of treating prostate cancer. For some forms of prostate cancer, radiation
therapy is given along with the drugs.
Most important fact about Flutamide (Eulexin)
Taking Flutamide (Eulexin) and Lupron together is essential in this form of treatment.
You should not interrupt their doses or stop taking either of these
medications without consulting your doctor.
How should you take Flutamide (Eulexin)?
Take Flutamide (Eulexin) exactly as prescribed. Do not use more or less, and do
not take it more often than instructed.
If you develop diarrhea<96>a relatively common side effect of
therapy<96>you may find the following measures helpful: drink
plenty of fluids; avoid dairy products; increase your intake of whole
grains, fruits, and vegetables; avoid laxatives; and take nonprescription
antidiarrhea medicine. If the diarrhea continues or becomes severe,
contact your doctor.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Flutamide (Eulexin) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor immediately. Since Flutamide (Eulexin) is always given with
another antiandrogen drug, when a side effect develops, it is difficult
to know which drug is responsible. Only your doctor can determine if
it is safe for you to continue taking Flutamide (Eulexin).
* Side effects may include:
Breast tissue swelling and tenderness, diarrhea, hot flashes, impotence, loss
of sex drive, nausea, vomiting
When the drugs are used along with radiation therapy, additional side
effects may include bladder inflammation, bleeding from the rectum,
blood in the urine, and intestinal problems.
Why should Flutamide (Eulexin) not be prescribed?
This drug is not intended for women, and should not be used by anyone
with serious liver disease. You'll also be unable to take it if it
gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Flutamide (Eulexin)
Flutamide (Eulexin) has been known to cause liver failure in some patients, in
rare cases leading to death. Your doctor will do blood tests to check
your liver function before you start treatment with Flutamide (Eulexin), and at
regular intervals thereafter. If a liver problem does develop, you
may need to take less Flutamide (Eulexin) or stop taking the drug altogether. Report
any signs or symptoms that might suggest liver damage to your doctor
right away. Warning signs include dark urine, itching, flu-like symptoms,
jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), persistent appetite loss,
and persistent tenderness on the right side of the upper abdomen.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Flutamide (Eulexin)
If you are already taking the anticoagulant drug warfarin (Coumadin),
you will need to be monitored especially closely after treatment with
Flutamide (Eulexin) begins. Your doctor may need to lower your dosage of warfarin.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Flutamide (Eulexin) can harm a developing baby. Women should never take this drug,
either during pregnancy or at any other time.
Recommended dosage for Flutamide (Eulexin)
The recommended adult Flutamide (Eulexin) dosage is 2 capsules 3 times a day at
8-hour intervals for a total daily dosage of 750 milligrams.
Overdosage
