Drug
Flutamide
Pronounced
"FLEW-tuh-mide"
Uses
This medication is used to treat men with prostate cancer. Flutamide belongs to a class of drugs known as anti-androgens (anti-testosterone). Testosterone, a natural hormone, helps prostate cancer to grow and spread. Flutamide works by blocking the effects of testosterone, thereby slowing the growth and spread of prostate cancer.
Warning
Rarely, flutamide has caused severe (sometimes fatal) liver problems. Immediately tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, loss of appetite, severe tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, aching muscles, joint pain). Liver problems can happen at any time while taking flutamide, but they occur most often during the first 3 months of treatment. Your doctor will tell you whether to stop or continue flutamide. Your doctor will monitor your liver function with blood tests while you take flutamide. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Avoid alcohol while taking flutamide.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using flutamide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times daily.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not stop any medications for your prostate cancer unless told to do so by your doctor. Stopping your medications could allow the cancer to spread more rapidly.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse (such as urination becomes more difficult, bone pain increases).