What is flutamide (oral)?
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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking flutamide (oral)?
Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor if you
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.
How should I take flutamide (oral)?
Take flutamide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions,
ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Flutamide is usually taken three times a day (every 8 hours). Follow your doctor's instructions.
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.
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.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.
Store flutamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of flutamide (oral)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
take a
double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about flutamide (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about flutamide (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of flutamide (oral)?
Stop taking flutamide and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
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.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take flutamide and talk
to your doctor if you experience
-
hot flashes,
-
diarrhea,
-
skin rash,
-
increased skin sensitivity to sunlight,
-
loss of sex drive,
-
impotence,
-
lowered sperm count,
-
enlarged breasts,
-
amber or greenish discoloration of the urine,
-
rectal bleeding or inflammation, or
-
blood in the urine.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about flutamide (oral)?
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 avoid while taking flutamide (oral)?
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while taking flutamide. Follow any
special instructions given by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect flutamide (oral)?
Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). Flutamide may
interact with warfarin, and the interaction could lead to bleeding.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with flutamide. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of flutamide (oral)?