Fluorouracil: how to take it safely
5-FU, Adrucil
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats bowel, breast, stomach and other cancers.
How to take it
It is given by a cancer nurse or doctor, by drip into a vein. Your blood tests are checked before each cycle.
When to take it
Given by drip into a vein by a cancer nurse or doctor, as your specialist plans.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Tell your doctor if you have had a reaction to fluorouracil or capecitabine, or have DPD deficiency.
- Warfarin unless monitored.
- Strong sunlight. Use sunscreen.
- Pregnancy and fathering a child during treatment. Use reliable contraception and ask your team how long to continue it.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Mouth sores, diarrhoea, nausea, tiredness, hair thinning, skin changes.
Get help if
Severe diarrhoea, severe mouth sores, chest pain, fever, signs of infection or unusual bleeding: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.