Flutamide (Eulexin®, Drogenil®)

How to Take Flutamide

Flutamide is given as a capsule, taken three times a day (spaced every 8 hours). For patients who cannot swallow pills, the capsule can be opened and its contents mixed with food, such as applesauce or pudding.

It is important to make sure you are taking the correct amount of medication every time. Before every dose, check that what you are taking matches what you have been prescribed.

This medication can affect blood levels of Coumadin (blood thinner). Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you take.

Storage and Handling

Store this medication at room temperature, in the original container. If you prefer to use a pillbox, discuss this with your oncology pharmacist. Ask your oncology team where to return any unused medication for disposal. Do not flush it down the toilet or throw it in the trash.

Where do I get this medication?

Flutamide is available through retail or mail-order pharmacy. Your oncology team will work with your prescription drug plan to identify an in-network, retail or mail-order pharmacy for medication distribution.

Insurance Information

This medication may be covered under your prescription drug plan. Patient assistance may be available to qualifying individuals depending upon prescription drug coverage. Co-pay cards, which reduce the patient co-pay responsibility for eligible commercially (non-government sponsored) insured patients, may also be available. Your care team can help you find these resources if they are available.

Possible Side Effects of Flutamide

There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of flutamide. Talk to your care team about these recommendations. They can help you decide what will work best for you. These are some of the most common or important side effects:

Liver Toxicity

This medication can cause damage to your liver, which your healthcare provider will monitor for regularly with blood tests. Notify your healthcare provider if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), your urine appears dark or brown, or you have nausea or pain in your abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.

Discolored Urine

Your urine may appear orange-brown or green-yellow in color while taking this medication. This is expected and not a cause of concern as the medication is cleared from your body. If you have other urinary symptoms, such as frequency or painful urination, call your care provider.

Hot Flashes

There are a few things you can do to help with hot flashes. Several medications have been shown to help with symptoms, including clonidine (a blood pressure medication), low doses of certain antidepressants (such as venlafaxine and fluoxetine), and gabapentin. Talk to your healthcare team about these prescription products to determine if they are right for you.

Non-medical recommendations include:

• Keep well-hydrated with eight glasses of water daily.
• Drink ice water or apply an ice pack at the onset of a hot flash.
• Wear cotton or lightweight, breathable fabrics and dress in layers so you can adjust as needed.
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Try practicing meditation or relaxation exercises to manage stress, which can be a trigger.
• Avoid triggers such as warm rooms, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol.

Breast Tenderness or Increase in Breast Tissue

An increase in breast tissue (gynecomastia) or breast tenderness may develop. You may also experience discharge from your nipples. Your healthcare team can suggest medications to relieve the tenderness. In rare cases, radiation can be given to relieve severe tenderness.

Diarrhea

Your oncology care team can recommend medications to relieve diarrhea. Also, try eating low-fiber, bland foods like white rice and boiled or baked chicken. Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals, and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in some foods and absorbs fluid, which can help relieve diarrhea. Foods high in soluble fiber include applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, orange sections, boiled potatoes, white rice, products made with white flour, oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, and farina. Drink 8-10 glasses of non-alcoholic, uncaffeinated fluid a day to prevent dehydration.

Weakening of the Bones (Osteoporosis)

Men who take hormone therapy for extended periods of time are at risk for bone thinning (osteoporosis). You may be advised to take calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent bone loss. Weight-bearing exercise and a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can also help protect your bone health. You may have a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to assess your bone health. If your healthcare provider determines that you are at high risk of developing osteoporosis, they may recommend additional treatment with a type of medication called bisphosphonate to help strengthen the bones.

Sexual and Reproductive Changes

This drug can affect your reproductive system, resulting in sperm production becoming irregular or stopping permanently. In addition, you may experience erectile dysfunction or a decreased desire for sex during treatment. Talk to your urologist about options for treating erectile dysfunction.

Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects, so you should not father a child while on this medication. Effective birth control is necessary during treatment, even if you believe you are not producing sperm. You may want to consider sperm banking if you may wish to have a child in the future. Discuss these options with your oncology team.