Flutamide

Flutamide is used together with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LHRH; a type of hormonal injection such as leuprolide [Lupron, Eligard], goserelin [Zoladex], or triptorelin [Trelstar]) to treat certain types of prostate cancer. Flutamide is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal antiandrogens. It works by blocking the effects of androgen (a male hormone) to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Flutamide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food every 8 hours (three times a day.) Take flutamide at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take flutamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take flutamide along with the LHRH agonist treatment even if you feel well. Do not stop taking either medication without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Flutamide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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diarrhea</li>
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nausea</li>
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vomiting</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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hot flashes</li>
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decrease in sexual ability or desire</li>
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breast enlargement in men</li>
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drowsiness</li>
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confusion</li>
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depression</li>
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anxiety</li>
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swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs</li>
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blue-green or orange-colored urine</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the symptoms listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately.Although it is rare, some men taking flutamide have developed breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.Flutamide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking flutamide, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to flutamide or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin (Coumadin). tell your doctor if you smoke and if you have or have ever had any inherited blood diseases such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency or hemoglobin M disease. ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking flutamide. Flutamide may cause facial flushing, and drinking alcohol can make it worse.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:

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breast enlargement and tenderness</li></ul>