Uses of undefined

Flutamide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. This cancer leads to uncontrolled growth of the prostate, which spreads to the bones of the back, hips, and pelvis. This medicine can also be used after the surgical removal of testicles. In combination with other medicines (LHRH agonists), it is used to decrease testosterone levels in the body. 

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Flutamide is an orally administered drug. Take medicine as informed by your physician. It is usually taken after food with a glass of water. Take the medicine at around the same time every day. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not stop taking Flutamide without talking to your doctor.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Flutamide and its other ingredient. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems, heart disorders (arrhythmia), blood vessel conditions, osteoporosis (brittle bones), or chest conditions like breathlessness. This drug is not recommended for women. It is advised for men to use contraception. Consult a doctor for more information. Flutamide should be used cautiously in patients with liver problems. Dose adjustments are necessary for liver failure patients. Inform your physician if you have any liver diseases before initiating the therapy. Your physician will monitor your liver functions before and during this treatment.

Precautions

Flutamide is not recommended for women and children. Your doctor will measure the bone mineral density; since this medicine can increase the risk of bone fractures. Inform your doctor if you are intolerant to lactose, as this medicine contains lactose monohydrate. Consult your doctor for more information. Caution is required while driving and operating machinery when you take Flutamide tablets because it may cause dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, and a risk of falling. It is unsafe to consume excessive alcohol. So, stop consuming alcohol if you are taking this medicine.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Flutamide are hot flashes, decreased sex drive, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged, painful breast tissue, milk production from the breasts, increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. 

Serious side effects while taking Flutamide are liver problems (hepatitis), stomach pain, dark urine, allergic reaction swelling in the leg and other parts.

Word Of Advice

Sperm counts will be done if you have undergone castration. Dose adjustments is based on your blood test. Your doctor may stop the medicine if you experience any liver injury like jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain. Flutamide tablets may be given in combination with LHRH agonists. If you had castrated in the past, you would not have been given this combination of medicine. In elders, medicine usage should be exactly as the doctor prescribed. Store Flutamide in the original package at room temperature (20°C to 25°C). Keep the tablets away from the reach of children and pets. If you missed a dose, do not take a double dose for the forgotten dose. If you have overdosed on Flutamide tablets or someone accidentally takes your tablet, contact the hospital or a doctor immediately for medical advice.

Frequently Asked Question

• What is castration? 
• Castration is a surgical procedure in which the testicles are removed from a male. 

• Can we use Flutamide in children and women? 
• No, Flutamide is not intended for women. There is limited research only available on the use of children. Additionally, In elders, the medicine usage should be exactly as the doctor prescribed. 

• How is Flutamide administered?
• Flutamide is available only in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth. Take the medicine as prescribed by your physician. Do not chew or break the tablet. Swallow it as a whole.

• How long do I need to take Flutamide?
• It is advised to take as long as your doctor advises to take Flutamide. Do not stop taking the medication without consulting the physician.  

• Is that safe to consume Flutamide with liver disease? 
• Dose adjustments are necessary for liver failure patients. Inform your physician if you have any liver diseases before initiating the therapy. To monitor the liver function, your doctor may do regular blood checkups.