INTRODUCTION
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET contains Flutamide which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-androgens. FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is used in the treatment of prostate cancer, which is a type of cancer that occurs in the gland cells of prostate gland (male reproductive organ).
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is also used after surgical castration in affected individuals.
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients allergic to Flutamide.
Before taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are at a risk of developing osteoporosis (condition marked by brittle bones) or have a family history of osteoporosis, suffering from diabetes, any blood vessel condition, and/or have intolerance to certain sugars (such as lactose.), heart problems (such as heart rhythm disorders), liver and kidney problems.
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women as it is intended to be used only in men. It is also not recommended for use in children since it is indicated for use only in men. The medicine is advised to be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years/above) after consulting the doctor.
The most common side effects of taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET are enlarged/painful/tender breast tissue, increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, sleepiness, tiredness, diarrhoea, and/or nausea. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects worsens.
USES OF FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET
- Treats prostate cancer
- Treats prostate cancer in affected individuals after surgical castration (surgical removal of testes).
HOW FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET WORKS
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET works by binding to androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells which blocks synthesis of testosterone (male sex hormone) needed for cancer cells to grow resulting in its blockade of growth and spread of cancer to different parts of the body thus treating prostate cancer in affected individuals.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET
COMMON
- enlarged, painful/tender breast tissue
- production of milk from the breasts
- increased appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
- difficulty sleeping, sleepiness, tiredness
RARE
- painful, itchy fluid filled lumpy skin rash
- swelling involving the arms, legs, chest, and/or genitals
- bruising
- loss of appetite (anorexia)
- anxiety, depression
- dizziness, blurred vision, problems with the heart, circulation, high blood pressure
- thirst
- gastrointestinal problems (such as indigestion, stomach pain, upset stomach, heartburn, constipation)
- red itchy welts
- changes in the hair growth pattern, hair loss
- muscle cramps
- decreased sex drive
- unusual weakness (asthenia)
- headache
- chest pain
- general feeling of being unwell
- hot flushes
Stop taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of hepatitis (liver disease) such as nausea, vomiting, itching, dark coloured urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin/whites of the eyes, and/or abdominal pain
- signs of lupus reaction (autoimmune disease) such as joint/muscle pain, swelling, fatigue, general feeling of being unwell, hair loss, and/or butterfly shaped rash occurring normally across the nose and cheeks
- difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and/or cough
- signs of colitis (inflammation of colon) such as diarrhoea containing blood/mucus.
- lumps in the breast tissue
- signs of allergic reaction such as such as swelling of lips, tongue, face, and throat causing difficulty in breathing/swallowing, rash, and/or swollen itchy skin
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Diarrhea:
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Try to avoid taking any medicine on your own to treat diarrhea. Consult and inform your doctor if the symptom worsens.
Nausea and vomiting:
Take FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET with/just after a meal. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich/spicy foods, sugary snacks and drinks. Avoid drinking too much liquid along with your meals, and drink slowly in between meals. Consult your doctor if the condition worsens.
Tiredness:
Make sure you take rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol. Try to take FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET at a time when you can sit down (or lie down) when the symptoms are at their worst. Avoid driving or using tools or machinery until you feel well.
Dizziness:
Try to rest and get enough sleep. Try to avoid driving or operating any tools or machines while you feel dizzy. Limit consumption of alcohol, as it can aggravate dizziness. Consult and inform your doctor if the symptom worsens.
Headache:
If FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET causes headache, then take rest and drink plenty of fluids. Try to avoid drinking alcohol. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET. If it lasts more than a week or becomes severe, then consult and inform your doctor.
Indigestion:
Try to have smaller and more frequent meals and drink slowly. Reduce consumption of coffee, cola, tea, or alcohol and lose weight if you are obese. Try to avoid smoking and don’t have rich, fatty or spicy foods. Consult your doctor and inform if the symptom does not improve.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it is intended to be used only in men. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
BREASTFEEDING
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it is intended to be used only in men. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel tired, dizzy, and/or confused after taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET as it may alter the effect of the medicine.
KIDNEY
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET.
LIVER
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET.
ALLERGY
Do not take FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET if you are allergic to Flutamide, and/or any other ingredients of this medicine.
LUNGS
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with chest problems such as breathlessness. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
HEART DISEASE
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with heart problems such as heart rhythm disorders. Consult your doctor before taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET.
OTHERS
Before taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- are at a risk of developing osteoporosis (condition marked by brittle bones) or have a family history of osteoporosis
- have diabetes
- suffer from any blood vessel condition
- have intolerance to certain sugars such as lactose.
Use in Pediatrics:
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) as the medicine is intended to be used only in men.
Use in Geriatrics:
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years/above). Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug – Drug Interactions:
- medicines used to thin the blood (Ex. warfarin)
- medicines used for breathing problems (Ex. theophylline)
- medicines that may cause liver damage
- leuprorelin (other anticancer medicine used to treat prostate cancer)
- medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems (Ex. quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol)
- methadone (used for pain relief and drug addiction detoxification)
- moxifloxacin (medicine used to treat bacterial infections)
- antipsychotics (used for serious mental illnesses) Ex. risperidone, quetiapine
- antiepileptics (used to treat epilepsy) Ex. sodium valproate, carbamazepine.
- corticosteroids (used to treat inflammation) Ex. cortisone, hydrocortisone
- LHRH antagonist (used to decrease the level of testosterone) Ex. goserelin, buserelin.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are methaemoglobinaemia (blood idosrder) associated with symptoms such as cyanosis (bluish colouring of the skin), dark blood, headache, weakness, confusion, chest pain, and/or vomiting.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Flutamide |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Anti-androgens |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Prostate cancer |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Do not store FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET above 25°C
FAQs ABOUT FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET
What is FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET used for?
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is used in the treatment of prostate cancer, which is a type of cancer that occurs in the gland cells of prostate gland (male reproductive organ). It is also used after surgical castration in affected individuals to treat prostate cancer.
What are the common side effects of taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET?
The most common side effects of taking FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET are enlarged/painful/tender breast tissue, increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, sleepiness, tiredness, diarrhoea, and/or nausea. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects worsens.
How FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET works?
FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET works by binding to androgen receptors in prostate cancer cells which blocks synthesis of testosterone (male sex hormone) needed for cancer cells to grow resulting in its blockade of growth and spread of cancer to different parts of the body thus treating prostate cancer in affected individuals.
How FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET should be taken?
Take FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicines with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Can FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women?
No, FLUTATEC 250MG TABLET is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women since it is intended to be used only in men. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
REFERENCES
1. KD. Tripathi. Hormones and Related Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 302.
2. G Sufrin, D S Coffey. Flutamide. Mechanism of action of a new nonsteroidal antiandrogen. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed.gov. May 1979. [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1270239/
3. Gautam G. Jha, Vidhu Anand, Ayman Soubra, Badrinath R. Konety. Challenges of managing elderly men with prostate cancer. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. May 2014. [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788018/
4. Delpharm Lille SAS. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2020] [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8428.pdf
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Prostate-specific Antigen
- Bone Mineral Density
- Complete Blood Count test
PRODUCT DETAILS
ALTERNATE BRANDS
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.