Fluorouracil (Systemic)
Brand Names : Adrucil, 5-FU
CategoryDescriptionFluorouracil (flure-oh-YOOR-a-sill) belongs to the group of medicines
known as antimetabolites. It is used to treat cancer of the colon, rectum,
breast, stomach, and pancreas. It may also be used to treat other kinds of
cancer, as determined by your doctor.
Fluorouracil interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually
destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by fluorouracil,
other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported
to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may
cause concern. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the medicine
is used.
Before you begin treatment with fluorouracil, you and your doctor should
talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Fluorouracil is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision
of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.
Another commonly used name is 5-FU
.
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