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Project P-118
Intro Flutamide, pronounced FLEW ta mide, is more commonly sold under the brand name Eulexin. It is an anti androgen drug and is primarily used to treat prostate cancer and has also been used to treat excess androgen levels in women. Flutamide competes with testosterone and its metabolite for binding in the prostate gland. This binding will help to block and prevent the attachment of testosterone to cancer cells. Without testosterone, the cancer cells either grow at a slower rate and in some cases stop altogether. It is a type of non steroid hormonal treatment and is a substituted anilide. Precautions Prior to beginning treatment your doctor will need to monitor liver functions with blood test and for each month for the first four months. He/she may also want to do periodical test after that for this purpose as well. You should advise your health care professional of any and all other prescription, over the counter, or herbal health supplements you are taking in order to better evaluate the risk to you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think something may be harmful to you. It is their job to ensure you are getting the best treatment possible but it is your responsibility to make sure they are acting with all the facts in your best interest. Method of Dosage This drug is taken by mouth in pill form usually three times daily. Each dose should be evenly spaced throughout the day. Individual dosage depends on your condition and tolerance/response to the drug. Treatment may be for several months or even years and may continue as long as it is effective in controlling your cancer. Flutamide may be given alone or in conjunction with other hormone replacement therapy drugs. Your doctor will discuss all treatment options with you. Each dose should also be taken with a full glass of water. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the prescribed amount at the next scheduled interval. Never double up on this medication as overdose may occur. Who Should(n't) Take If you have smoke or have a history of liver disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, or hemoglobin M deficiency speak to your doctor to evaluate the risks of exasperating your current health conditions as you may require special monitoring or may not be able to take this drug. If you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant this drug should not be used as it is known to harm an unborn baby. As it is not known if flutamide can be passed through breast milk nursing mothers should not use this drug without first consulting with your doctor. Side Effects There have been some less serious side effects associated with the use of Flutamide. These are as follows:
If you experience any of these side effects you may continue to take this drug, but should talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Other more serious side effects include allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of throat, swelling of lips, tongue, or face, and hives) and in rare cases severe liver damage. Notify your doctor immediately and stop taking flutamide if your develop severe persisting nausea, vomiting, and or abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, clay colored stools, or dark urine. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage and your doctor may want to run tests. If you notice a side effect which is not listed please contact your physician right away. It may be serious however more often then not it is something mild which can be handled without an office visit by adjusting the dosage. Storage This drug should be stored at room temperature. It should be kept away from heat and moisture and as such should not be stored in the bathroom. As with every drug it should be kept OUT OF THE REACH of children and pets as accidental poisoning or overdose may occur. |
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norelgestramin |
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Abacavir |
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