WARNING

Flutamide is primarily used to treat prostate cancer and hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women. However, like any medication, it carries certain risks. Here are some potential risks associated with taking Flutamide:

• Liver Toxicity: Flutamide can cause liver toxicity, which can manifest as elevated liver enzymes in blood tests or more severe liver damage. Regular monitoring of liver function is essential while taking this medication.
• Gastrointestinal Effects: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while taking Flutamide.
• Fluid Retention: Flutamide may cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the ankles or other parts of the body. This can exacerbate conditions such as heart failure or hypertension.
• Hot Flashes: Like many hormonal medications, Flutamide can induce hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of warmth, usually most intense over the face, neck, and chest.
• Decreased Libido and Erectile Dysfunction: Flutamide can affect sexual function in men, causing decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
• Interactions with Other Medications: Flutamide can interact with other medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or causing adverse effects. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before starting Flutamide.
• Risk of Birth Defects: Flutamide should not be used by pregnant women as it may cause harm to the fetus. It is important for women of childbearing age to use effective contraception while taking Flutamide.
• Breast Tenderness or Enlargement: Flutamide may cause breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia) in men due to its antiandrogenic effects.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Some individuals may experience central nervous system effects such as dizziness or fatigue while taking Flutamide.
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, allergic reactions to Flutamide can occur, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

It’s crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of Flutamide with a healthcare provider before starting the medication, and to report any concerning symptoms while taking it. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are typically recommended to manage potential side effects and ensure the medication’s safety and efficacy.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Flutamide is prescribed for several medical conditions, primarily:

• Prostate Cancer: Flutamide is often prescribed as part of combination therapy for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. It works by blocking the action of androgens (male hormones), which can slow down the growth of prostate cancer cells.
• Hirsutism: In women, Flutamide may be prescribed to treat hirsutism, a condition characterized by excessive hair growth, often caused by hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Flutamide helps reduce hair growth by blocking the effects of androgens on hair follicles.

How should this medicine be used?

Flutamide is typically taken orally in the form of capsule. The dosage and frequency of administration will vary depending on the condition being treated and individual factors such as age, weight, and response to treatment. However, It is usually taken with or without food every 8 hours (three times a day). Take flutamide at around the same times every day.

Here’s a general guideline for using Flutamide:

• Follow Doctor’s Instructions: Always take Flutamide exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
• Take with Food: Flutamide is usually taken with food to help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
• Regular Monitoring: Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor liver function and other parameters while you’re taking Flutamide, especially during the initial phase of treatment.
• Continue Treatment: It’s important to continue taking Flutamide for the duration prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely may allow the condition to worsen or relapse.
• Adhere to Schedule: Try to take Flutamide at the same times each day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication.
• Avoid Missing Doses: If you miss a dose of Flutamide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Storage: Store Flutamide at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Always discuss any questions or concerns about Flutamide usage with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Other uses for this medicine

Some of these potential uses include:

• Acne: Flutamide’s antiandrogenic properties may be beneficial in managing acne, particularly in women with hormonal acne or those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Transgender Hormone Therapy: Flutamide may be used as part of hormone therapy in transgender individuals, particularly transgender women (assigned male at birth) undergoing feminizing hormone therapy. It helps suppress testosterone levels and promote feminization.
• Androgenetic Alopecia: Some studies suggest that Flutamide may be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) by blocking the effects of androgens on hair follicles.

What special precautions should I follow?

Regarding special precautions for Flutamide, here are some important considerations:

• Liver Function Monitoring: Flutamide can cause liver toxicity, so regular monitoring of liver function tests (such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) is essential during treatment. If you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or persistent nausea or abdominal pain, notify your doctor immediately.
• Pregnancy Risk: Flutamide should not be used by pregnant women or women who may become pregnant due to the risk of harm to the fetus. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for a certain period after discontinuation of Flutamide therapy, as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Interactions with Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Flutamide, as it can interact with certain drugs, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to Flutamide or any of its ingredients, inform your doctor before starting treatment. Allergic reactions to Flutamide can be serious and may require immediate medical attention.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver disease, as Flutamide may require dosage adjustments or special monitoring in these cases.
• Breastfeeding: It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Flutamide, as it may pass into breast milk and could potentially harm the nursing infant.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or questions you have about Flutamide treatment.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions for Flutamide are not typically necessary. However, it’s generally recommended to take Flutamide with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Flutamide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Flutamide, like any medication, can cause side effects. It’s important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Some common side effects of Flutamide include:

• Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are common gastrointestinal side effects of Flutamide.
• Liver Toxicity: Flutamide can cause liver toxicity, which may manifest as elevated liver enzymes in blood tests or more severe liver damage. Symptoms of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
• Hot Flashes: Flutamide may cause hot flashes, sudden feelings of warmth, usually most intense over the face, neck, and chest.
• Breast Tenderness or Enlargement: In men, Flutamide can cause breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia) due to its antiandrogenic effects.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Flutamide may lead to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men.
• Fluid Retention: Some individuals may experience fluid retention while taking Flutamide, leading to swelling in the ankles or other parts of the body.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Dizziness, fatigue, and headache are potential central nervous system side effects of Flutamide.
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, allergic reactions to Flutamide can occur, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Other: Other less common side effects of Flutamide may include skin rash, itching, changes in skin pigmentation, and changes in taste.

It’s important to report any side effects to your healthcare provider, especially if they are severe, persistent, or concerning. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend strategies to manage side effects effectively. Additionally, if you experience any signs of liver problems or allergic reactions, seek immediate medical attention.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal instructions for Flutamide:

Storage:

• Store Flutamide at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Keep the medication in its original packaging or container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store Flutamide in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink, where it might be exposed to moisture or humidity.
• If you have any unused or expired Flutamide tablets, dispose of them properly as instructed below.

Disposal:

• Do not flush Flutamide tablets down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare facility to determine the best way to dispose of unused or expired medications. Some communities offer drug take-back programs or special disposal instructions to ensure safe and environmentally friendly disposal.
• If no take-back program is available, you can mix the unused tablets with an unpalatable substance (such as dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds) in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in the household trash. Remove any personal information from the medication packaging before disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose of Flutamide, you should:

• Contact emergency medical services (such as 911 in the United States) or your local poison control center immediately.
• If possible, provide the emergency responders or poison control center with information about the medication ingested, including the dosage and timing of ingestion.
• Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by medical professionals.
• Follow any additional instructions provided by emergency responders or medical personnel.

What other information should I know?

• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up during Flutamide treatment.
• Inform any other healthcare providers (such as dentists or specialists) that you are taking Flutamide before undergoing any medical procedures or surgeries.
• Do not share Flutamide with others, even if they have similar symptoms or medical conditions.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding regular monitoring of liver function tests and other parameters while taking Flutamide.
• Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly, especially if they are severe or concerning.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure safe and effective use of Flutamide and minimize the risk of adverse events or complications.