Generic Name: Flutamide
(FLEW-tuh-mide)
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.
What is flutamide?
Flutamide is an antiandrogen. It works in the body to prevent
the actions of androgens (male hormones).
Flutamide is used in the
treatment of prostate cancer.
Flutamide
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about
flutamide?
In rare cases, flutamide has caused severe liver damage resulting
in death or hospitalization. Notify your doctor immediately if
you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue,
loss of appetite, "flu-like" symptoms, yellow skin or
eyes, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms
may be early signs of liver damage.
Your doctor will need to monitor your liver function with blood
tests before starting treatment with flutamide, every month for
the first 4 months of treatment, and periodically thereafter.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your
doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
flutamide?
Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor if you
smoke,
have liver disease,
have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or
have hemoglobin M deficiency.
You may not be able to take flutamide, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any
of the conditions listed above.
Flutamide is not indicated for use by women. Flutamide is in the
FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an
unborn baby. Do not take flutamide if you are pregnant. Flutamide
is not indicated for use by women. It is not known whether flutamide
passes into breast milk. Do not take flutamide without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding. |