Flutamide 250 mg

Detailed Description — Flutamide 250 mg

Flutamide 250 mg is a prescription medicine classified as a non-steroidal anti-androgen. It is primarily used in the management of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, usually in combination with other hormonal therapies such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists or surgical castration.

Prostate cancer cells rely heavily on androgens, such as testosterone, to grow and multiply. Flutamide works by blocking androgen receptors on prostate cancer cells, preventing these hormones from stimulating tumor growth. This mechanism makes flutamide an important component of combined androgen blockade therapy.

How Flutamide Works

Flutamide acts by:

• Blocking androgen receptors in prostate tissue

• Preventing testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from binding to cancer cells

• Reducing stimulation of cancer cell growth

Unlike medications that lower testosterone levels, flutamide specifically blocks hormone action at the cellular level.

Uses of Flutamide 250 mg

Flutamide 250 mg is prescribed for:

• Advanced prostate cancer

• Metastatic prostate cancer

• Combined therapy with LHRH agonists

• Prevention of tumor flare during initiation of hormonal therapy

In some cases, flutamide may be used off-label under specialist supervision.

Dosage & Administration

• Standard dose: 250 mg three times daily

• Take at evenly spaced intervals

• Can be taken with or without food

• Swallow tablets whole with water

Dosage adjustments may be needed based on liver function and patient tolerance. Always follow your oncologist’s instructions.

Benefits of Flutamide

• Slows progression of prostate cancer

• Enhances effectiveness of hormone therapy

• Helps reduce cancer-related symptoms

• Well-established treatment option

• Oral administration

Possible Side Effects

Flutamide may cause side effects, some of which require close monitoring.

Common side effects:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Hot flashes

• Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia)

• Fatigue

Serious side effects:

• Liver toxicity (elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis)

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

• Dark urine

• Severe abdominal pain

Regular liver function tests are essential during treatment.

Warnings & Precautions

• Liver monitoring is mandatory

• Discontinue immediately if signs of liver injury appear

• Not for use in women or children

• Use caution in elderly patients

• Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking

Alcohol consumption should be limited due to increased liver risk.

Drug Interactions

Flutamide may interact with:

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)

• Theophylline

• Certain chemotherapy drugs

Always disclose all current medications to your healthcare provider.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C

• Protect from moisture and heat

• Keep out of reach of children

• Do not use after expiry date

External Reference

For authoritative medical information, visit:
🔗 https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/flutamide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Flutamide 250 mg used for?
It is used to treat advanced prostate cancer by blocking androgen effects.

2. Is Flutamide chemotherapy?
No. It is a hormonal therapy, not chemotherapy.

3. How often should Flutamide be taken?
Usually three times daily, unless otherwise directed.

4. Can Flutamide cure prostate cancer?
It does not cure cancer but helps control disease progression.

5. What are the most serious risks of Flutamide?
Liver toxicity is the most serious risk, requiring regular monitoring.

6. Can Flutamide be taken long-term?
Yes, but only under strict medical supervision.

7. What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember. If close to the next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double it.