Eulexin (Flutamide)  

Brand name: Eulexin  

Generic name:Flutamide    

Therapeutic Class:  anti-androgen  

Manufacturer / Distributor: Schering-Plough 

Availability:  Eulexin is available by prescription only  

Dosage form: Eulexin is available in capsule form to be taken by mouth 

Indication:  EULEXINE is used in association with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LHRH) to treat certain forms of prostate cancer. 

Eulexin may also be prescribed for other medical conditions not mentioned in this article; talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.  

Dosage:  Eulexin comes as a capsule to be taken by mouth. Usually, the recommended dose is 250 mg, taken three times daily at eight hour intervals, with or without food. Eulexin is taken in combination with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LHRH).  

LHRH is a protein substance synthesized and released by the hypothalamus, a small cone-shaped structure in the brain that controls many functions of the body including the secretion of sex hormones. Taking LHRH analogues such as leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard), goserelin (Zoladex), and Triptorelin (Trelstar) decreases the secretion of sex hormones, a process necessary for the multiplication of cancer cells.  

Your oncologist will consider many factors to determine the most appropriate and effective dosage for your condition. These may include but not limited to the state of your health in general (other medical conditions for example), other drugs you are taking, the severity of the tumor, and your weight. Most of the times, it is recommended to take 250 mg of E ulexin, 3 times a day. It is important to respect the indication of your physician throughout the treatment. If for some reasons you cannot continue taking the drug, consult your doctor before taking any decision. 

Overdose:  Cases of overdose of Eulexin are almost inexistent; however, it is not impossible. As with all drugs, overdose or accidental poisoning can be fatal, especially in elderly patients. In fact, even at normal doses, Eulexin can cause serious or life-threatening liver damage. If you think you have taken a Eulexin overdose, contact your doctor or an emergency medical center as soon as possible. 

Missing dose: it is important to do  your best to take the medication as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. If you miss a dose for less than 2 hours or so, take it right away. If it is almost time to take the dose, it is better to wait for the next dose. In any case, you should not double the dose; this can cause serious health problems. 

Contraindication: Eulexin is contraindicated or should be used with precaution in the following conditions:  

• being a woman
• liver failure 
• kidney failure
• allergy to Eulexin  or any of its ingredients 
• liver disease associated with anterior Eulexin 
• Talk to your doctor if you intend to father during the treatment.  

Mechanism of action (MOA):  s ome prostate cancers are hormone-receptor-positive; the cancer cells need testosterone to grow and multiply. In combination with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LHRH), Eulexin reduces or inhibits the cellular utilization of androgens that stimulate the tumor development. 

Interactions: before beginning a Eulexin treatment, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, whether prescription or non prescription. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamins or nutritional supplements. Some medications such as testosterone and androgens may affect the treatment, or increase the risk of side effects in some patients.   

Side effects:  Eulexin cause adverse effects in most patients; most common Eulexin side effects include:  

• hair loss  
• headache  
• mouth sores 
• nausea and vomitting  
• constipation or diarrhea  
• decreased appetite   
• trouble sleeping   
• flushing  
• dizziness   
• impotence or decreased sexual desire   
• swollen or tenderness of breasts   
• feeling of fullness in abdomen   
• dry mouth   
• Flu-like symptoms: runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, etc.  

If the side effects above persist for weeks, contact your oncologist. In addition, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:   

• nervousness  
• confusion  
• depression   
• chest pain   
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing   
• pain or tenderness in the stomach   
• dizziness or fainting   
• unusual bleeding or bruising  
• yellowing of the skin or eyes   
• persistent hoarseness or cough   
• infection signs: skin rash, sore throat, fever, etc.   
• chest tightness or wheezing   
• blackish stools or stools containing blood  
• pain in lower back or side  
• numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in hands, arms, legs or feet   
• swelling of face, fingers, feet or lower legs   
• Bluish lips, fingernails, or palms Hand.   

Note: Although rare, taking Eulexin can lead to the development of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication. 

Reference: 

1 - nlm.nih.gov, Flutamide 

2 - santecheznous.com, Novo-Flutamide