Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil belongs to a group of drugs known as antimetabolites. It resembles a
normal cell nutrient needed by cancer cells to grow. The cancer cells take up
fluorouracil, which then interferes with their growth.
Fluorouracil also is used to treat ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and bladder cancer.
Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Fluorouracil is used to treat
- colon cancer
- rectal cancer
- breast cancer
- stomach cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- ovarian cancer
- cervical cancer
- bladder cancer
Side effects of Fluorouracil
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you
may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
Gritty eyes and blurred vision. If this happens it is important that
you tell your doctor. They can prescribe soothing eye drops.
Skin changes. Your skin may darken, due to excess production of
pigment. This will slowly return to normal a few months after the treatment has finished.
The skin over the vein used for the injection may become discoloured, but this is only
temporary.
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The number of
blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about seven days after the treatment
has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after chemotherapy. Your
blood cells will then increase steadily and will have usually returned to normal within 21
days.
The extent to which your blood cells are reduced depends on the dose of 5FU you receive
and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in combination. Your doctor can
advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be lowered by the chemotherapy.
Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even if you have a normal temperature,
contact your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Fluorouracil
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If it does happen it
may begin after the treatment is given and last for a few days. If the sickness is not
controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs
that may be more effective. CancerBACUP's section on managing nausea and vomiting has
further information.
Hair loss. Hair loss is uncommon but hair may thin, or occasionally be
lost completely. If hair loss happens, it usually begins about 3-4 weeks after starting
treatment, although it may occur earlier. It is temporary, and the hair will regrow once
the treatment is finished.
Changes to nails. Your nails may become brittle, chipped and ridged.
These changes grow out slowly over a few months once the treatment has ended.
Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. During treatment with
fluorouracil, and for several months afterwards, you will be more sensitive to the sun,
and your skin may burn more easily than normal. You can still go out in the sun, but
always wear a high protection factor suncream and protective clothing. .
Rashes. Fluorouracil can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your doctor
can prescribe treatment to help reduce this.
Soreness and redness of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
(sometimes known as palmar planter or hand and foot syndrome). This can happen when
fluorouracil is given continuously or over a long time. It is temporary and improves when
the treatment is finished. You may be prescribed vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which can help
to reduce this.
Increased production of tears may sometimes be caused by fluorouracil.
This is temporary. |