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Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Flutamide (Eulexin®)

Hematology-Oncology Patient/Family Education Comittee
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Flutamide
Other Name: Eulexin^®

How it is given: Two flutamide capsules are taken 3 times a day. Flutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen, and is usually given with another drug, called an LHRH analog, which is injected either monthly or every 3 months. This combination treatment is called combined androgen blockade (CAB).

How it works: Flutamide blocks the action of male hormones (androgens) on prostate cancer cells to prevent these cells from growing.

Side Effects and Precautions

Flutamide may cause liver damage in some people. Your doctor will do blood tests to check your liver function before you start taking flutamide, and at periodic intervals after you start taking the drug.
What to do: Report any symptoms of liver damage to your doctor immediately. Warning signs include dark urine, flu-like symptoms, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes).

• Drug Interactions:
  Let your doctor know if you?re taking the drug warfarin (Coumadin^®) or any other anticoagulant (blood thinner) for your heart. Your doctor may want to give you periodic blood tests and adjust the dosage of warfarin while you?re receiving flutamide.

• Side Effects of Flutamide Given Alone
  • Sudden rushes of body heat causing reddening of the skin and sweating (hot flashes) Uncomfortable but not dangerous; may disturb sleep.
    What to do: Ask your doctor about medications that can be taken to relieve the discomfort of hot flashes.

  • Abnormal enlargement of the breasts (gynecomastia) and breast pain
    Usually begins several months after starting treatment with flutamide. In most cases, gynecomastia is mild and no treatment is needed.
    What to do: Ask your doctor about medications or radiation treatments to the breast that can prevent or relieve gynecomastia and breast pain caused by flutamide treatment. A spandex undershirt may also relieve the discomfort.

  • Gastrointestinal effects (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea/constipation)
    These are more common adverse effects of flutamide treatment.
    What to do: Ask your doctor about medications that can treat these adverse effects if they persist. Eating small amounts of food during the day, instead of three larger meals, may help to reduce nausea. Also, increasing fluid intake and eating bland foods may help if you experience diarrhea. Avoid eating sweet, fatty, salty, or spicy foods.

• Side Effects of Flutamide Given With an LHRH Analog
  
  • Decreased sex drive (loss of libido) and inability to have an erection (impotence)
    These are common adverse effects when flutamide and an LHRH analog are given together, which is called combined androgen blockade (CAB).
    What to do: If your sexual desire decreases while taking these medications, there are no treatments that can restore it to normal while the drugs are still being taken. However, there are a number of treatment approaches that can improve sexual functioning. Ask your doctor about them if you experience impotence while receiving flutamide/LHRH therapy.