Drug reference
Treatment of some solid tumours including gastro- intestinal tract cancers and breast cancer | In combination with folinic acid in advanced colorectal cancer ▶BY INTRAVENOUS INJECTION, OR BY INTRAVENOUS INFUSION, OR BY INTRA-ARTERIAL INFUSION ▶Adult: (consult product literature)
PDF page 983
Bone marrow depression (after treatment with radiotherapy or other antineoplastic agents). complete or near complete absence of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity (increased risk of severe, life-threatening, or fatal toxicity)—consult product literature. serious infections
PDF page 983
History of heart disease. partial dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency—consult product literature
PDF page 983
Manufacturer advises genotyping of the DPYD gene to identify patients at increased risk for severe toxicity—consult product literature.
PDF page 983
→Appendix 1: fluorouracil
PDF page 983
▶Common or very common Agranulocytosis. alopecia. anaemia. anal inflammation. appetite decreased. asthenia. bone marrow disorders. bronchospasm. diarrhoea. gastrointestinal disorders. haemorrhage. hand and foot syndrome (long term use). healing impaired. immunosuppression. increased risk of infection. ischaemic heart disease. leucopenia. malaise. mucositis. nausea. neutropenia. skin reactions. stomatits. Immune system and malignant disease thrombocytopenia. vomiting ▶Uncommon Arrhythmias. cardiac inflammation. cardiogenic shock. cardiomyopathy congestive. dehydration. dizziness. drowsiness. euphoric mood. eye disorders. eye inflammation. headache. heart failure. hepatic disorders. hypotension. movement disorders. myocardial infarction. nail discolouration. nail disorders. nerve disorders. ovulation disorder. parkinsonism. photosensitivity reaction. sepsis. spermatogenesis disorder. vision disorders ▶Rare or very rare Biliary sclerosis. cardiac arrest. cerebral ischaemia. cholecystitis. coma. confusion. embolism and thrombosis. encephalopathy. fever. muscle weakness. peripheral vascular disease. renal failure. seizure. speech impairment. sudden cardiac death ▶Frequency not known Vein discolouration
PDF page 983
Contraceptive advice required, see Pregnancy and reproductive function in Cytotoxic drugs p. 938.
PDF page 983
Avoid (teratogenic). See also Pregnancy and reproductive function in Cytotoxic drugs p. 938.
PDF page 983
Discontinue breast-feeding.
PDF page 983
Manufacturer advises caution (increased risk of hyperammonaemia and hyperammonaemic encephalopathy). Dose adjustments Manufacturer advises consider dose reduction.
PDF page 983
Manufacturer advises caution (increased risk of hyperammonaemia and hyperammonaemic encephalopathy). Dose adjustments Manufacturer advises consider dose reduction.
PDF page 983
Manufacturer advises monitor cardiac function regularly l HANDLING AND STORAGE Caution in handling—irritant to tissues.
PDF page 983
There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Forms available from special-order manufacturers include: solution for injection Solution for injection ▶Fluorouracil (Non-proprietary) Fluorouracil (as Fluorouracil sodium) 25 mg per 1 ml Fluorouracil 500mg/20ml solution for injection vials | 10 vial P £64.00 (Hospital only) Fluorouracil (as Fluorouracil sodium) 50 mg per 1 ml Fluorouracil 1g/20ml solution for injection vials | 1 vial P £12.16 (Hospital only) | 1 vial P £12.80 Fluorouracil 500mg/10ml solution for injection vials | 1 vial P £6.08 (Hospital only) | 1 vial P £6.40 | 5 vial P £32.00 (Hospital only) Solution for infusion ▶Fluorouracil (Non-proprietary) Fluorouracil (as Fluorouracil sodium) 25 mg per 1 ml Fluorouracil 2.5g/100ml solution for infusion vials | 1 vial P £32.00 (Hospital only) | 1 vial P £32.00 Fluorouracil (as Fluorouracil sodium) 50 mg per 1 ml Fluorouracil 5g/100ml solution for infusion vials | 1 vial P £60.80–£64.00 (Hospital only) | 1 vial P £64.00 Fluorouracil 2.5g/50ml solution for infusion vials | 1 vial P £30.40–£32.00 (Hospital only) | 1 vial P £32.00
PDF pages 983, 984
(consult product literature)
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
PDF page 983
