What is fluorouracil?
Fluorouracil is a cancer medication. Fluorouracil interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Fluorouracil is used to treat cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach, or pancreas.
Fluorouracil treats only the symptoms of cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.
Fluorouracil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about fluorouracil?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to fluorouracil, or if you have bone marrow depression, a serious infection, or if you are malnourished or are not receiving proper nutrition.
Before you receive fluorouracil, tell your doctor if you have cancer that has spread to your bone marrow, liver or kidney disease, if you have ever had radiation treatment of your pelvic area, or if you have ever received other cancer medications in the past.
Do not receive fluorouracil without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
You should not breast-feed a baby while being treated with fluorouracil.
Fluorouracil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Do not receive a live vaccine during your fluorouracil treatment. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving fluorouracil?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to fluorouracil, or if you have:
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication:
Tell your doctor about all other cancer medications you have received in the past, especially BiCNU, CeeNU, Cytoxan, DTIC-Dome, Gliadel, Leukeran, Myeleran, Neosar, Temodar, or Zanosar.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not receive fluorouracil without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether fluorouracil passes into breast milk. However, you should not breast-feed a baby while being treated with fluorouracil.