Drogenil (Flutamide) is used for the treatment of certain types of prostate cancer.
Why have I been prescribed Drogenil?
- Drogenil (Flutamide) is used for the treatment of certain types of prostate cancer.
How does it work?
Drogenil stops the effects of male sex hormones. Prostate cancer is dependent on the male sex hormones for growth. By stopping the effects of male sex hormones it is possible to slow down or shrink the tumour both in the prostate and the areas it has spread to.
When and how do I take it?
Always take Drogenil exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water.
What’s the dose?
The usual dose is one tablet three times daily at 8 hour intervals.
Could it interact with other tablets?
Take special care with Drogenil if you are currently taking:
- steroids
- blood thinning drug containing an anticoagulant
- theophylline for a breathing problem
Herbal supplements should be used with caution and only after informing your doctor first.
What are the possible risks or side-effects?
Like all medicines, drogenil can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
When Drogenil tablets are taken alone:
- The most common side effect is tenderness and enlargement of the area around the nipples. The nipples may also produce a milky-white fluid. However, these effects are only temporary and will disappear when you stop taking Drogenil or your doctor recommends the dose is reduced. These effects are less likely to occur when Drogenil tablets are taken at the same time as an LHRH agonist.
Other side effects which occur less frequently are:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea increased appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- tiredness
- liver problems
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
- You should avoid taking excessive alcohol whilst you are being treated with Drogenil.
- Always ask your doctor/pharmacist however as this may depend on what other tablets you are taking.
What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?
The safety of Drogenil during pregnancy or while breast feeding has not been proven therefore it should not be used.
If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.
Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.
References:
http://www.cancernet.co.uk/drogenil.htm
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/flutamide
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Hormonaltherapies/Individualhormonaltherapies/Flutamide.aspx
http://www.drugs.com/international/drogenil.html
http://www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/medicines-information/find-a-medicine/results/item?pano=PA1286/026/001&t=DROGENIL&spcpara=1.0
http://www.oncolink.org/treatment/article.cfm?c=143&id=348
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