Flutamide

About Flutamide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Anti-androgens.

Flutamide is used to treat prostate cancer. Flutamide prevents the tumour 'flare', which sometimes occurs after starting treatment with gonadorelin analogues or after surgery.

Flutamide is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Drogenil. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Flutamide

Before taking Flutamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you and your partner are trying for a baby
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Flutamide

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take each dose of this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses, if in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Flutamide contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Flutamide.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, doctor or dentist that you are taking Flutamide.
• 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.
• Avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol while you are being treated with Flutamide.
• Flutamide may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

Can Flutamide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Increase in size of male breasts, discharge from the nipples, feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, increased appetite, problems sleeping, tiredness, reduction in sexual desire, reduced sperm count, chest pain, headache, dizziness, swelling due to fluid retention, blurred vision, thirst or rash.

IMPORTANT: If you experience itching, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), dark urine, loss of appetite, tummy pain or flu-like symptoms contact your doctor as soon as possible.

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

How to store Flutamide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 19/08/2005