FLUTAMIDE belongs to the group of medicine called ‘anti-cancer’ that is primarily indicated in the treatment of prostate cancer. When cells grow abnormally in the prostate gland (found in a man's lower abdomen) then they form a tumor in the prostate and it is called prostate cancer. This cancer if not detected and treated at earlier stages, may spread to other areas of the body. As cancerous cells are made up of the prostate so it will still be called prostate cancer.
FLUTAMIDE contains 'Flutamide' which falls in the category of medicines known as 'anti-androgens (anti-testosterone)'. Testosterone is a natural hormone produced by the body but this hormone helps prostate cancer to grow and spread in the body. FLUTAMIDE works by stopping the action of this hormone thereby reducing the growth and spread of cancer.
Take FLUTAMIDE as prescribed by your doctor. You are suggested to take FLUTAMIDE as long as your doctor has prescribed it after checking your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of interest in sexual ability, nausea, and enlargement of breasts may happen. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking FLUTAMIDE for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take FLUTAMIDE if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as FLUTAMIDE causes serious birth defects. FLUTAMIDE should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk and may cause possible risk to the infant. Elderly people are more sensitive to medicine so the doctor may adjust the dosage according to the condition. Avoid consuming alcohol along with FLUTAMIDE as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Prostate cancer
FLUTAMIDE is indicated is suggested to makes dealing with advanced prostatic cancer. This medicine is used to improve the quality of life (palliative) by reducing the suffering of prostate cancer in males. When taken orally (mouth), this medicine travel through the blood stream and reaches cancer cells in affected parts of the body. In most cases of prostate cancer, cancerous cells require testosterone to attach proteins for their growth. This medicine prevents testosterone to reach these cancerous cells. In this way, FLUTAMIDE slows down the growth of cancer or make cancerous cells die.
It is advised to tell your doctor if you have an allergy to any of the components present in FLUTAMIDE or any other food or drinks. With it, also tell them if you have liver disease or increased liver enzymes. FLUTAMIDE is not allowed to use in females. It is advised to go for regular blood tests, every month for the first four months as it will help to know the response of medicine. If you are going for any dental treatment or any surgery then it is advised to tell the person who is performing the treatment about the FLUTAMIDE. You are advised to drink a lot of liquid and a special diet to reduce the risk of diarrhea as suggested by your doctor. It is advised to avoid any dairy product like milk, yogurt, and cheese to avoid the risk of diarrhea.
Drug-Drug Interaction: FLUTAMIDE may have interaction with other drugs containing testosterone, anabolic steroids (oxandrolone, oxymetholone), anticoagulant (warfarin) and laxatives(methylcellulose).
Drug-Food Interaction: It is advised to avoid any dairy product like milk, yogurt and cheese to avoid risk of diarrhea.
Drug-Disease Interaction: FLUTAMIDE should be taken with caution in persons dealing with liver disease or increased liver enzymes.
You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with FLUTAMIDE as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or difficulty in concentrating.
FLUTAMIDE is restricted to use in pregnancy. FLUTAMIDE is not approved to use in females.
FLUTAMIDE is restricted to use in lactating mothers. FLUTAMIDE is not approved to use in females.
FLUTAMIDE may make you dizzy so it is advised to avoid driving or doing any work that needs mental alertness.
FLUTAMIDE should be taken with caution in liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by the doctor according to the medical condition of the patient.
FLUTAMIDE should be taken with caution in kidney disease. The dose may be adjusted by the doctor according to the medical condition of the patient.
FLUTAMIDE is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Prostate cancer: It is a serious illness that affects men of middle age and older. The prostate gland is controlled by the testosterone hormone. It is found in men's lower glands. Prostate cancer starts when the cells of the prostate gland start growing uncontrollably in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is of two types: fast and slow-growing. When fast-growing (aggressive) cancer occur, tumor (the group of cancerous cells) grow quickly and may spread to other parts of the body like bones. When nonaggressive (slow-growing) cancer occurs, either it does not grow or grow very little with time.