(flure oh YOOR a sil)
Treatment of breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach (gastric) cancer
Hypersensitivity to fluorouracil or any component of the formulation; poor nutritional states; depressed bone marrow function; potentially serious infections
It is recommended that fluorouracil injection be given only by or under the supervision of a qualified physician who is experienced in cancer chemotherapy and who is well versed in the use of potent antimetabolites. Because of the possibility of severe toxic reactions, it is recommended that patients be hospitalized at least during the initial course of therapy.
These instructions should be thoroughly reviewed before administration of fluorouracil.
Details concerning dosing in combination regimens should be consulted:
Breast cancer (off-label dosing): IV:
CEF or FEC regimen: 500 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 28 days (in combination with cyclophosphamide and epirubicin) for 6 cycles (Levine, 1998)
CMF regimen: 600 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 28 days (in combination with cyclophosphamide and methotrexate) for 6 cycles (Goldhirsch, 1998; Levine, 1998)
CAF or FAC regimen: 500 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 21-28 days (in combination with cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin) for 6 cycles (Assikis, 2003)
Colorectal cancer (off-label dosing): IV:
FLOX regimen: 500 mg/m2 bolus on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36 (1 hour after leucovorin) every 8 weeks (in combination with leucovorin and oxaliplatin) for 3 cycles (Kuebler, 2007)
FOLFOX6 and mFOLFOX6 regimen: 400 mg/m2 bolus on day 1, followed by 1200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion for 2 days (over 46 hours) every 2 weeks (in combination with leucovorin and oxaliplatin) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Cheeseman, 2002)
FOLFIRI regimen: 400 mg/m2 bolus on day 1, followed by 1200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion for 2 days (over 46 hours) every 2 weeks (in combination with leucovorin and irinotecan) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity; after 2 cycles, may increase continuous infusion fluorouracil dose to 1500 mg/m2/day (over 46 hours) (Andre, 1999)
Roswell Park regimen: 500 mg/m2 (bolus) on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36 (1 hour after leucovorin) every 8 weeks (in combination with leucovorin) for 4 cycles (Haller, 2005)
Gastric cancer (off-label dosing): IV:
CF regimen: 750-1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-4 and 29-32 of a 35-day treatment cycle (preoperative chemoradiation; in combination with cisplatin) (Tepper, 2008; NCCN Gastric Cancer Guidelines v2.2012)
ECF regimen (resectable disease): 200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-21 every 3 weeks (in combination with epirubicin and cisplatin) for 6 cycles (3 cycles preoperatively and 3 cycles postoperatively) (Cunningham, 2006)
ECF or EOF regimen (advanced disease): 200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-21 every 3 weeks (in combination with epirubicin and either cisplatin or oxaliplatin) for a planned duration of 24 weeks (Sumpter, 2005)
TCF or DCF regimen: 750 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-5 every 3 weeks or 1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-5 every 4 weeks (in combination with docetaxel and cisplatin) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ajani, 2007; Van Cutsem, 2006; NCCN Gastric Cancer Guidelines v2.2012)
ToGA regimen (HER2-positive): 800 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-5 every 3 weeks (in combination with cisplatin and trastuzumab) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Bang, 2010)
Pancreatic cancer (off-label dosing): IV:
Chemoradiation therapy: 250 mg/m2/day continuous infusion for 3 weeks prior to and then throughout radiation therapy (Regine, 2008)
Fluorouracil-Leucovorin: 425 mg/m2/day (bolus) days 1-5 every 28 days (in combination with leucovorin) for 6 cycles (Neoptolemos, 2010)
FOLFIRINOX regimen: 400 mg/m2 bolus on day 1, followed by 1200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion for 2 days (over 46 hours) every 14 days (in combination with leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity for a recommended 12 cycles (Conroy, 2011)
Anal carcinoma (off-label use): IV: 1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-4 and days 29-32 (in combination with mitomycin and radiation therapy) (Ajani, 2008)
Bladder cancer (off-label use): IV: 500 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-5 and days 16-20 (in combination with mitomycin and radiation therapy) (James, 2012)
Cervical cancer (off-label use): IV: 1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-4 (in combination with cisplatin and radiation therapy) every 3 weeks for 3 cycles (Eifel, 2004)
Esophageal cancer (off-label use): IV:
CF regimen: 750-1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-4 and 29-32 of a 35-day treatment cycle (preoperative chemoradiation; in combination with cisplatin) (Tepper, 2008; NCCN Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers Guidelines v2.2012)
ECF regimen (resectable disease): 200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-21 every 3 weeks (in combination with epirubicin and cisplatin) for 6 cycles (3 cycles preoperatively and 3 cycles postoperatively) (Cunningham, 2006)
ECF or EOF regimen (advanced disease): 200 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-21 every 3 weeks (in combination with epirubicin and either cisplatin or oxaliplatin) for a planned duration of 24 weeks (Sumpter, 2005)
TCF or DCF regimen: 750 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-5 every 3 weeks or 1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-5 every 4 weeks (in combination with docetaxel and cisplatin) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity (Ajani, 2007; Van Cutsem, 2006; NCCN Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers Guidelines v2.2012)
Head and neck cancer, squamous cell (off-label use): IV:
Platinum-Fluorouracil (CF) regimen: 1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-4 every 3 weeks (in combination with cisplatin) for at least 6 cycles (Gibson, 2005) or 600 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-4, 22-25, and 43-46 (in combination with carboplatin and radiation) (Denis, 2004; Bourhis, 2012)
TPF regimen: 1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-4 every 3 weeks (in combination with docetaxel and cisplatin) for 3 cycles, and followed by chemoradiotherapy (Posner, 2007) or 750 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-5 every 3 weeks (in combination with docetaxel and cisplatin) for up to 4 cycles (Vermorken, 2007)
Platinum, 5-FU, and cetuximab regimen: 1000 mg/m2/day continuous infusion days 1-4 every 3 weeks (in combination with either cisplatin or carboplatin and cetuximab) for a total of up to 6 cycles (Vermorken, 2008)
Hepatobiliary cancer (off-label use): IV: 600 mg/m2 (bolus) on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks (in combination with gemcitabine and leucovorin) (Alberts, 2005)
Refer to adult dosing.
No dosage adjustment provided in the manufacturer 's labeling; however, extreme caution should be used in patients with renal impairment. The following adjustments have been recommended:
CrCl <50 mL/minute and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): No dosage adjustment necessary (Aronoff, 2007).
Hemodialysis:
Administer standard dose following hemodialysis on dialysis days (Janus, 2010).
Administer 50% of standard dose following hemodialysis (Aronoff, 2007).
No dosage adjustment provided in the manufacturer 's labeling; however, extreme caution should be used in patients with hepatic impairment. The following adjustments have been recommended:
Floyd, 2006: Bilirubin >5 mg/dL: Avoid use.
Koren, 1992: Hepatic impairment (degree not specified): Administer <50% of dose, then increase if toxicity does not occur.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]). May dispense in a syringe or dilute in 50-1000 mL NS or D5W for infusion.
IV: Administration rate varies by protocol; refer to specific reference for protocol. May be administered by IV push, IV bolus, or as a continuous infusion. Avoid extravasation (may be an irritant).
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Increase dietary intake of thiamine.
Store intact vials at room temperature. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from light. Slight discoloration may occur during storage; does not usually denote decomposition. If exposed to cold, a precipitate may form; gentle heating to 60 ‚ °C (140 ‚ °F) will dissolve the precipitate without impairing the potency. According to the manufacturer, pharmacy bulk vials should be used within 4 hours of initial entry. Solutions for infusion in D5LR, D5W, or NS should be used promptly. Fluorouracil 50 mg/mL in NS was stable in polypropylene infusion pump syringes for 7 days when stored at 30 ‚ °C (86 ‚ °F) (Stiles, 1996). Stability of fluorouracil 1 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL in NS or D5W in PVC bags was demonstrated for up to 14 days at 4 ‚ °C (39.2 ‚ °F) and 21 ‚ °C (69.8 ‚ °F) (Martel, 1996). Stability of undiluted fluorouracil (50 mg/mL) in ethylene-vinyl acetate ambulatory pump reservoirs was demonstrated for 3 days at 4 ‚ °C (39.2 ‚ °F) (precipitate formed after 3 days) and for 14 days at 33 ‚ °C (91.4 ‚ °F) (Martel, 1996). Stability of undiluted fluorouracil (50 mg/mL) in PVC ambulatory pump reservoirs was demonstrated for 5 days at 4 ‚ °C (39.2 ‚ °F) (precipitate formed after 5 days) and for 14 days at 33 ‚ °C (91.4 ‚ °F) (Martel, 1996).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Intravenous:
Adrucil: 500 mg/10 mL (10 mL); 2.5 g/50 mL (50 mL); 5 g/100 mL (100 mL)
Generic: 500 mg/10 mL (10 mL); 1 g/20 mL (20 mL); 2.5 g/50 mL (50 mL); 5 g/100 mL (100 mL)
Stable in D5LR, D5W, NS
Y-site administration: Incompatible with aldesleukin, amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex, droperidol, filgrastim, topotecan, vinorelbine.
Alitretinoin (Systemic): CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Alitretinoin (Systemic). Management: Consider reducing the alitretinoin dose to 10 mg when used together with strong CYP2C9 inhibitors. Monitor for increased alitretinoin effects/toxicities if combined with a strong CYP2C9 inhibitor. Consider therapy modification
BCG (Intravesical): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination
BCG (Intravesical): Myelosuppressive Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination
Bosentan: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Bosentan. Management: Concomitant use of both a CYP2C9 inhibitor and a CYP3A inhibitor or a single agent that inhibits both enzymes with bosentan is likely to cause a large increase in serum concentrations of bosentan and is not recommended. See monograph for details. Monitor therapy
Cannabis: May increase the serum concentration of CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong). More specifically, tetrahydrocannabinol serum concentrations may be increased. Monitor therapy
Carvedilol: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Carvedilol. Specifically, concentrations of the S-carvedilol enantiomer may be increased. Monitor therapy
Cimetidine: May increase the serum concentration of Fluorouracil (Systemic). Monitor therapy
CloZAPine: Myelosuppressive Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CloZAPine. Specifically, the risk for neutropenia may be increased. Monitor therapy
Coccidioides immitis Skin Test: Immunosuppressants may diminish the diagnostic effect of Coccidioides immitis Skin Test. Monitor therapy
CYP2C9 Substrates: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may decrease the metabolism of CYP2C9 Substrates. Consider therapy modification
Deferiprone: Myelosuppressive Agents may enhance the neutropenic effect of Deferiprone. Avoid combination
Denosumab: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Specifically, the risk for serious infections may be increased. Monitor therapy
Diclofenac (Systemic): CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Diclofenac (Systemic). Management: Consider using a lower dose of diclofenac when used together with a strong CYP2C9 inhibitor. Arthrotec (diclofenac and misoprostol) labeling specifically recommends limiting the total daily dose to a maximum of 50 mg twice/day. Consider therapy modification
Dipyrone: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Myelosuppressive Agents. Specifically, the risk for agranulocytosis and pancytopenia may be increased Avoid combination
Dronabinol: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Dronabinol. Monitor therapy
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Fingolimod: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Fingolimod. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of fingolimod and other immunosuppressants when possible. If combined, monitor patients closely for additive immunosuppressant effects (eg, infections). Consider therapy modification
Fosphenytoin: Fluorouracil (Systemic) may increase the serum concentration of Fosphenytoin. Consider therapy modification
Gemcitabine: May increase the serum concentration of Fluorouracil (Systemic). Monitor therapy
Gimeracil: May increase the serum concentration of Fluorouracil (Systemic). Avoid combination
Highest Risk QTc-Prolonging Agents: QTc-Prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk and Risk Modifying) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Highest Risk QTc-Prolonging Agents. Management: Avoid such combinations when possible. Use should be accompanied by close monitoring for evidence of QT prolongation or other alterations of cardiac rhythm. Consider therapy modification
Lacosamide: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Lacosamide. Monitor therapy
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Consider therapy modification
Lenograstim: Antineoplastic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lenograstim. Consider therapy modification
Leucovorin Calcium-Levoleucovorin: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Fluorouracil (Systemic). This effect is associated with the ability of leucovorin or levoleucovorin to enhance the anticancer effects of fluorouracil. Monitor therapy
MetroNIDAZOLE (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of Fluorouracil (Systemic). Monitor therapy
MiFEPRIStone: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk and Risk Modifying). Management: Though the drugs listed here have uncertain QT-prolonging effects, they all have some possible association with QT prolongation and should generally be avoided when possible. Consider therapy modification
Moderate Risk QTc-Prolonging Agents: QTc-Prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk and Risk Modifying) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Moderate Risk QTc-Prolonging Agents. Monitor therapy
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Avoid combination
Nivolumab: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Nivolumab. Consider therapy modification
Ospemifene: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Ospemifene. Monitor therapy
Parecoxib: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Parecoxib. Monitor therapy
Phenytoin: Fluorouracil (Systemic) may increase the serum concentration of Phenytoin. Consider therapy modification
Pimecrolimus: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Ramelteon: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Ramelteon. Monitor therapy
Roflumilast: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Sipuleucel-T: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sipuleucel-T. Monitor therapy
SORAfenib: May decrease the serum concentration of Fluorouracil (Systemic). SORAfenib may increase the serum concentration of Fluorouracil (Systemic). Monitor therapy
Tacrolimus (Topical): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Tetrahydrocannabinol: CYP2C9 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Tetrahydrocannabinol. Monitor therapy
Tofacitinib: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tofacitinib. Management: Concurrent use with antirheumatic doses of methotrexate or nonbiologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is permitted, and this warning seems particularly focused on more potent immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Management: Vaccine efficacy may be reduced. Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to starting an immunosuppressant. If vaccinated during immunosuppressant therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after immunosuppressant discontinuation. Consider therapy modification
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Management: Avoid use of live organism vaccines with immunosuppressants; live-attenuated vaccines should not be given for at least 3 months after immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Fluorouracil (Systemic) may increase the serum concentration of Vitamin K Antagonists. Consider therapy modification
CBC with differential and platelet count, renal function tests, liver function tests, signs of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, stomatitis, diarrhea, hemorrhage, or gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding
Frequency not defined. Toxicity depends on duration of treatment and/or rate of administration.
Cardiovascular: Angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac failure, cerebrovascular accident, ischemic heart disease, local thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, vasospasm, vein pigmentation, ventricular ectopy
Central nervous system: Cerebellar syndrome (acute), confusion, disorientation, euphoria, headache
Dermatologic: Alopecia, changes in nails (including nail loss), dermatitis, maculopapular rash (pruritic), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, skin fissure, skin photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, xeroderma
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, diarrhea, esophagopharyngitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal ulcer, mesenteric ischemia (acute), nausea, stomatitis, tissue sloughing (gastrointestinal), vomiting
Hematologic & oncologic: Agranulocytosis, anemia, leukopenia (nadir: days 9-14; recovery by day 30), pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reaction (generalized)
Ophthalmic: Lacrimal stenosis, lacrimation, nystagmus, photophobia, visual disturbance
Respiratory: Epistaxis
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Hand-foot syndrome: Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (hand-foot) syndrome has been associated with use. Symptoms include a tingling sensation, which may progress to pain, and then to symmetrical swelling and erythema with tenderness; desquamation may occur. With treatment interruption, generally resolves over 5-7 days.
- Toxicity: Discontinue if intractable vomiting, diarrhea, precipitous fall in leukocyte or platelet counts, myocardial ischemia, hemorrhage, gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding, stomatitis, or esophagopharyngitis occur.
Disease-related concerns:
- Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency (DPD): Administration to patients with genetic DPD has been associated with prolonged clearance and increased toxicity (diarrhea, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity) following administration; rechallenge has resulted in recurrent toxicity (despite dose reduction).
- Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
- Metastatic disease: Use with caution in patients with widespread metastatic marrow involvement.
- Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Alkylating agents: Use with caution in poor-risk patients who have had previous use of alkylating agents.
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Pelvic radiation recipients: Use with caution in poor-risk patients who have had high-dose pelvic radiation.
Special handling:
- Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Other warnings/precautions:
- Administration safety issues: Serious errors have occurred when doses administered by continuous ambulatory infusion pumps have inadvertently been given over 1 to 4 hours instead of the intended extended continuous infusion duration. Depending on protocol, infusion duration may range from 46 hours to 7 days for continuous infusions of fluorouracil. Ambulatory pumps utilized for continuous infusions should have safeguards to allow for detection of programming errors. If using an elastomeric device for ambulatory continuous infusion, carefully select and double check the flow rate on the device. Appropriate prescribing (in single daily doses [not course doses] with instructions to infuse over a specific time period), appropriate training/certification/education of staff involved with dispensing and administration processes, and independent double checks should be utilized throughout dispensing and administration procedures (ISMP [Smetzer 2015]).
- Antidote: Uridine triacetate (formerly called vistonuridine), has been studied in cases of fluorouracil overdose. In a clinical study of 98 patients who received uridine triacetate for fluorouracil toxicity (due to overdose, accidental capecitabine ingestion, or possible DPD deficiency), 96 patients recovered fully (Bamat 2013). Of 17 patients receiving uridine triacetate beginning within 8 to 96 hours after fluorouracil overdose, all patients fully recovered (von Borstel 2009). Refer to Uridine Triacetate monograph.
- Experienced physician: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Should be administered under the supervision of an experienced cancer chemotherapy physician. The manufacturer 's labeling recommends hospitalizing patients during the first treatment course due to the potential for severe toxicity.
D
Adverse effects (increased resorptions, embryolethality, and teratogenicity) have been observed in animal reproduction studies. Based on the mechanism of action, fluorouracil may cause fetal harm if administered during pregnancy (according to the manufacturer 's labeling).
Chemotherapy, if indicated, may be administered to pregnant women with breast cancer as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen (common regimens administered during pregnancy include doxorubicin [or epirubicin], cyclophosphamide, and fluorouracil); chemotherapy should not be administered during the first trimester, after 35 weeks gestation, or within 3 weeks of planned delivery (Amant 2010; Loibl 2006). The European Society for Medical Oncology has published guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer during pregnancy. The guidelines recommend referral to a facility with expertise in cancer during pregnancy and encourage a multidisciplinary team (obstetrician, neonatologist, oncology team). In general, if chemotherapy is indicated, it should be avoided during in the first trimester, there should be a 3-week time period between the last chemotherapy dose and anticipated delivery, and chemotherapy should not be administered beyond week 33 of gestation (Peccatori 2013).
A pyrimidine analog antimetabolite that interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis; after activation, F-UMP (an active metabolite) is incorporated into RNA to replace uracil and inhibit cell growth; the active metabolite F-dUMP, inhibits thymidylate synthetase, depleting thymidine triphosphate (a necessary component of DNA synthesis).
Penetrates extracellular fluid, CSF, and third space fluids (eg, pleural effusions and ascitic fluid), marrow, intestinal mucosa, liver and other tissues
Hepatic (90%); via a dehydrogenase enzyme; FU must be metabolized to be active metabolites, 5-fluoroxyuridine monophosphate (F-UMP) and 5-5-fluoro-2 '-deoxyuridine-5 '-O-monophosphate (F-dUMP)
Primarily metabolized in the liver; excreted in lung (as expired CO2) and urine (7% to 20% as unchanged drug within 6 hours; also as metabolites within 9-10 hours)
16 minutes (range: 8 to 20 minutes); two metabolites, F-dUMP and F-UMP, have prolonged half-lives depending on the type of tissue
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience lack of appetite, dry skin, hair loss, or nail changes. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of infection; signs of bleeding (vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; coughing up blood; hematuria; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a reason or that get bigger; or any severe or persistent bleeding); angina; severe abdominal pain; severe nausea; vomiting; severe diarrhea; swelling of hands or feet; numbness or tingling in hands or feet; confusion; mouth irritation; involuntary eye movements; headache; mouth sores; sensitivity to lights; severe loss of strength and energy; vision changes; severe injection site pain, burning, edema, or redness; or redness or irritation of palms or soles of feet (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.