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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Flutamide

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Flutamide

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • Let your doctor know if you experience itching, dark urine, jaundice, pain or unexplained flu-like symptoms.

About flutamide

Type of medicineAnti-androgen
Used forProstate cancer
Available asTablets

Flutamide is used to treat prostate cancer. It works by interfering with the actions of male sex hormones called androgens. It can be used on its own, or it can be used to prevent the tumour 'flare' which sometimes occurs after starting treatment with gonadorelin analogues (which also reduce the hormone androgen) or after surgery.

Before taking flutamide

Before taking flutamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have liver, kidney or heart problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take flutamide

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take flutamide exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take flutamide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol while you are being treated with flutamide.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. Flutamide can cause changes to certain blood tests that your doctor may want to check.
  • Do not stop taking flutamide without speaking with your doctor first.
  • Flutamide inhibits the maturing process of sperm in the testes which can lead to decreased fertility or infertility, but some sperm may still be produced. Flutamide should not be used as a male contraceptive.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can flutamide cause problems?

All medicines can cause unwanted side-effects along with their useful effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoeaEat little and often. Stick to simple foods and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Tiredness, difficulty sleeping, increased breast size, sometimes with a discharge from the nipplesIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: if you experience itching, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), pain in the abdomen or unexplained flu-like symptoms, speak with your doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store flutamide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009DocID: 3652DocRef: dils3371Last Reviewed: 14 Dec 2009Version: 22
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