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Cancer Treatment Information

Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Fluorouracil (Adrucil, 5-FU)

The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: February 10, 2002

Fluorouracil (flure oh yoor' a sill)
Other Names: Adrucil, 5-FU

How it is given:	Fluorouracil is injected into a vein. It can also be used as a topical cream. It can be given alone or with other drugs.
How it works:	Fluorouracil slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body.

Side Effects And Precautions

Let your doctor or nurse know if you have any allergies and what medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over the counter medications. This includes vitamins, herbs, nutritional supplements and any recreational drugs. Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages. Not everyone experiences side effects during chemotherapy and most side effects are temporary. The side effects you may experience are:

Common Side Effects

Decrease in the number of white blood cells (neutropenia)
Puts you at risk for infection.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for a fever of 100.4F or greater. Avoid people with the flu or colds. When working in your yard, wear protective clothing including long pants and gloves. Do not handle pet waste. Keep all cuts and scratches clean. Shower or bath daily and refer to Chemotherapy and You (NCI, 1997) for mouth care. Do not cut cuticles or ingrown nails. You may wear nail polish but not fake nails. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Ask your doctor or nurse before you or a family member has any vaccinations.

Decrease in red blood cells (anemia)
Causes loss of energy.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you feel more tired than usual or short of breath while doing normal activities.

Decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Puts you at risk for bruising and bleeding.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding. Do not floss or use toothpicks. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab. Ask your doctor or nurse before scheduling dental appointments or procedures. Use an electric razor to avoid cuts. Do not use medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen without asking your doctor or nurse.

Nausea and vomiting
What to do: Take your anti-nausea medications as prescribed. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluids a day. Avoid eating fatty foods, large meals, acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits) and spicy or hot foods when you feel nauseated. Call your doctor or nurse if you are Unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.

Mouth ulcers (sores)
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if your mouth, tongue or inside of your cheek becomes white, ulcerated or painful. Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush or cotton swab twice a day. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. A baking soda and/or salt warm water mouth rinse (2 level teaspoons of baking soda or 1 level teaspoon salt in an eight ounce glass of warm water) is recommended 4 times daily. If your mouth becomes dry, eat moist foods, drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses) and suck on sugarless hard candy. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and citrus juices, smoking and chewing tobacco.

Decreased appetite
What to do: Try to eat five or six small meals or snacks throughout the day. If you are not eating enough, nutritional supplements may help. Ask your nurse for a copy of the Eating Hints booklet (NCI, 1995) and about nutritional counseling services.

Diarrhea
What to do: Call you doctor or nurse if you experience an increase in the number of stools, an increase in the volume of stool or if the stool becomes more liquid. Take the antidiarrheal medication your doctor has prescribed. Increase your fluid intake by drinking more liquids than usual (e.g. sport drinks, broth, gelatin, popsicles, soups). Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, unsweetened applesauce, toast, cereal, and potatoes. If the diarrhea continues, contact your doctor or nurse again.

Skin irritation
You may experience a sunburn-like skin irritation or rash, especially on the palms (inside of hands) and soles (bottom of feet).
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse for instructions on what to use to relieve the pain or rash.

Sun sensitivity
Your skin may darken and thicken in patches, especially on the palms of your hands and on the soles of your feet. Sunlight may increase this darkening. Sun sensitivity can be long lasting even after the chemotherapy is completed.
What to do: Avoid long exposure to the sun especially during the hours of 10am to 2pm. While in the sun wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat. Use sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 on exposed skin.

Changes of vein color
May cause darkening of the veins.
What to do: Call your doctor or nurse if the vein used for injection becomes red, swollen, or painful at anytime during or after the injection. Do not apply anything to the site unless instructed by your doctor or nurse.

Nail changes
Darkening and brittleness or loss of the fingernails/toenails may occur.
What to do: Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and dry. Do not wear fake nails. You may use nail polish. Notify your doctor or nurse if there is loss of any nails.