Fluorouracil (Systemic)
Brand Names : Adrucil, 5-FU
Side Effects of This MedicineAlong with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may
need medical attention.
Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance
that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months
or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain
types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your
doctor.
Check with
your health care professional as soon as possible if any of the following
side effects occur:
Rare
Chest pain; cough; shortness of breath; tingling of hands and feet,
followed by pain, redness, and swelling; trouble
with balance
Other side effects may occur that usually do
not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment
as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional
may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side
effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following
side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about
them:
This medicine often causes a temporary loss of hair. After treatment with
fluorouracil has ended, normal hair growth should return.
After you stop receiving fluorouracil, it may
still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of
time, check with your doctor or nurse immediately
if you notice any of the following:
Black, tarry stools; blood in urine
or stools; cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever
or chills; fever or chills; lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills; painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual
bleeding or bruising Other side effects
not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other
effects, check with your health care professional.
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